What Bugs Do Chickens Eat?

If you’re raising backyard chickens, you’ve probably noticed how much they love pecking at the ground. But what bugs do chickens eat, and how does this benefit your flock and garden? Chickens are natural foragers with a voracious appetite for insects, making them excellent pest controllers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common bugs chickens eat, the nutritional benefits of these insects, and how to encourage natural foraging behavior. Whether you’re a homesteader or a casual backyard chicken keeper, understanding what bugs do chickens eat can help you maintain a healthier, more sustainable flock.

Why Chickens Are Nature’s Pest Control

Are you wondering, what bugs do chickens eat? If you’re a backyard chicken keeper or homesteader, understanding your flock’s natural foraging habits is key to a healthy, productive coop. Chickens are nature’s pest controllers, eagerly devouring a wide range of insects that would otherwise plague your garden.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:

• What bugs chickens eat (and which to avoid)
• Nutritional benefits of bugs for egg production and health
• How to encourage natural foraging for a pest-free yard
• Safety tips to protect your flock from harmful insects

By the end, you’ll know how to harness your chickens’ instincts for a thriving, self-sustaining flock. Let’s dive in!

Why Chickens Eat Bugs: The Science Behind Their Foraging Instinct

Chickens are omnivores with a strong instinct to scratch and peck for food. In the wild (or free-range settings), their diet naturally includes insects, which provide:

• High-quality protein (for muscle growth and egg production)
• Healthy fats (for energy and shiny feathers)
• Essential vitamins & minerals (like B vitamins, calcium, and iron)

Beyond nutrition, foraging for bugs:

• Reduces boredom and stress in chickens
• Lowers feed costs by supplementing their diet naturally
• Helps control pests in gardens and yards

What Bugs Do Chickens Eat? (The Complete List)

Chickens aren’t picky—if it crawls, flies, or wriggles, they’ll likely eat it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most common bugs chickens love:

1. Beetles (A Crunchy Favorite)

• Japanese beetles
• Potato beetles
• Cucumber beetles
• June bugs
• Squash bugs

Why chickens love them: High in protein, easy to catch.

2. Grasshoppers & Crickets (A Hopping Feast)

• Grasshoppers
• Crickets
• Locusts

Bonus: Provides mental stimulation as chickens chase them.

3. Caterpillars, Larvae & Grubs (Protein Powerhouses)

• Mealworms
• Black soldier fly larvae
• Moth & butterfly larvae (including cabbage worms)

Pro Tip: These are excellent for molting hens needing extra protein.

4. Ants & Termites (Tiny but Nutritious)

• Fire ants (chickens eat them, but avoid letting chicks near)
• Carpenter ants
• Termites

Warning: Fire ants can sting, so supervise young chickens.

5. Slugs & Snails (Garden Protectors)

Benefit: Chickens reduce slug populations, protecting plants.

Risk: Can carry parasites—regular deworming is recommended.

6. Spiders, Centipedes & Scorpions (Unexpected Snacks)

Yes, chickens eat them! (Even small scorpions.)

Caution: Some spiders (like black widows) are venomous but rare in most areas.

7. Ticks, Roaches & Other Creepy Crawlers

• Ticks
• Cockroaches
• Earwigs

Pest Control Perk: A single chicken can eat hundreds of ticks a day!

8. Worms & Earthworms (Underground Protein)

While not insects, chickens love digging up earthworms after rain.

Bugs Chickens Should Avoid (Toxic or Dangerous Insects)

Safety Tip: Always supervise free-ranging chickens and avoid pesticide-treated areas.

Nutritional Benefits of Bugs in a Chicken’s Diet

Why is bug-eating so beneficial for chickens? Insects aren’t just pests—they’re packed with nutrients that support your flock’s overall health. For a deeper dive into chickens’ bug-eating habits, check out our full article on “Do Chickens Eat Bugs?.

Pro Tip:

Always choose organic, pesticide-free options like these USDA-certified insect feeds.

In winter when live bugs are scarce, supplement with dried grub treats or freeze-dried crickets.

How to Encourage Chickens to Eat More Bugs

1. Free-Range Access

• Let chickens roam in safe, predator-proof zones.
• Rotate grazing areas to prevent over-foraging.

2. Create a Bug-Friendly Habitat

• Compost piles (attracts flies & beetles)
• Tall grass & shrubs (hides insects for chickens to hunt)
• Avoid pesticides (keeps bugs safe to eat)

3. Supplement with Farmed Insects

• Mealworms (great for training and treats)
• Black soldier fly larvae (high in calcium)

4. Use Chicken Tractors

Moveable coops let chickens forage fresh patches of land daily.

FAQs: What Bugs Do Chickens Eat?

Q: Can chickens eat ladybugs?

A: Yes, but in moderation. Some (like Asian lady beetles) emit a foul fluid that may deter chickens.

Q: Do chickens eat beneficial insects like bees?

A: Unfortunately, yes. They don’t distinguish between pests and pollinators.

Q: Can chickens eat bugs in winter?

A: Fewer bugs are available, so supplement with dried insects or high-protein feed.

Q: Are there bugs chickens won’t eat?

A: They usually avoid stink bugs, fireflies, and bitter-tasting insects.

Conclusion: Let Your Chickens Do the Bug Work!

Now that you know what bugs do chickens eat, you can optimize their diet while reducing pests naturally. By encouraging foraging, avoiding toxic bugs, and supplementing wisely, you’ll have:

• Healthier, happier chickens
• Fewer pests in your garden
• Lower feed costs

Ready to put your flock to work? Share your bug-hunting chicken stories in the comments!