6 Insect-Based Chicken Treats That Mimic Natural Foraging
Explore 6 insect-based treats that encourage natural foraging. These protein-rich snacks provide key nutrients and vital enrichment for a healthy flock.
Watch a chicken in a pasture and you’ll see its true nature. It’s not just pecking at grass; it’s scratching, searching, and snapping up every beetle, worm, and grasshopper it can find. This instinct to forage for insects is deeply ingrained, and bringing a piece of that into the daily lives of our backyard flocks is one of the best things we can do for them. This isn’t just about giving them a snack—it’s about providing crucial nutrition and mental stimulation that commercial feed alone can’t replicate.
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Why Insect Treats Boost Flock Health & Happiness
Chickens are foragers, not vegetarians. Their wild ancestors spent their days hunting for insects, which provided the high-quality protein and fats necessary for survival, feather production, and raising young. A bag of layer crumble is nutritionally complete, but it doesn’t satisfy this fundamental drive.
Offering insect treats taps directly into that instinct. The act of scratching, pecking, and chasing after a tasty grub is powerful behavioral enrichment. It prevents the boredom that can lead to flock problems like feather-pecking and bullying. A busy chicken is a happy chicken, and nothing gets a flock busier than a handful of bugs tossed into their run.
Beyond behavior, insects provide a concentrated burst of nutrients that support key functions. The extra protein is vital during the annual molt when birds regrow their entire coat of feathers. The healthy fats contribute to glossy plumage and rich, golden egg yolks. Think of insect treats not as junk food, but as a functional supplement that fills the gaps left by a standardized diet.
Grubblies BSFL: Calcium-Rich Foraging Fun
Black Soldier Fly Larvae, or BSFL, have become a go-to for savvy chicken keepers, and for good reason. Their standout feature is their incredibly high calcium content. Unlike other insect treats, BSFL have a naturally balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, which is critical for proper calcium absorption.
This matters immensely for laying hens. Consistent egg laying depletes a hen’s calcium reserves, and if she can’t get enough from her diet, her body will pull it from her bones. BSFL provide a direct, bioavailable source of calcium that supports strong eggshells and long-term skeletal health. This can reduce the incidence of thin-shelled or shell-less eggs and means you might not need to offer as much supplemental oyster shell.
Grubblies and other BSFL products are perfect for scatter-feeding. Tossing a handful into clean bedding or a patch of dirt encourages chickens to scratch and search, perfectly mimicking how they’d unearth grubs in the wild. It turns snack time into a productive, stimulating activity that engages their bodies and their minds.
Kaytee Dried Mealworms: A Classic Protein Boost
Dried mealworms are the classic chicken treat. They are widely available, relatively inexpensive, and chickens go absolutely wild for them. If you’re looking for a quick way to get your flock’s attention or to hand-tame a few skittish birds, a small bag of mealworms is your best tool.
Their primary nutritional benefit is protein. Mealworms are packed with it, making them an outstanding supplement during periods of stress or high nutritional demand. The annual molt is the perfect example; a chicken is essentially regrowing its entire exterior, and that process requires a massive amount of protein. A daily handful of mealworms can help them get through the molt faster and with less stress.
However, it’s crucial to understand their limitation. Mealworms are low in calcium and have an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Think of them as a high-protein energy bar, not a multivitamin. Overfeeding mealworms without providing a separate, free-choice source of calcium like oyster shell can lead to the very eggshell problems you’re trying to avoid. They are a fantastic treat, but they must be offered in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Fluker’s Crickets: Encouraging Natural Pecking
Dried crickets offer a different kind of foraging experience for your flock. Their long bodies and spindly legs seem to trigger a chicken’s "chase" instinct more than a compact grub does. Tossing a few into the run often results in a comical game of keep-away as one bird snags a cricket and tries to run off with it.
This activity is more than just entertainment. It encourages quick, agile movements and sharp-eyed coordination. For birds that spend most of their time in a confined run, this kind of stimulation is fantastic for preventing lethargy. It mimics the sudden, darting hunt for a fast-moving bug in the grass.
Nutritionally, crickets provide a solid protein profile with a bit more fiber than mealworms, thanks to their chitinous exoskeletons. They are light and crunchy, adding valuable textural variety to your flock’s diet. While they won’t replace the calcium benefits of BSFL, they provide a unique enrichment opportunity that other treats can’t match.
Symton Silkworm Pupae: A Unique Omega-3 Source
Silkworm pupae are a less common but incredibly valuable treat you might find in the fish food aisle. Don’t let that fool you; they are a nutritional powerhouse for poultry. Originally a byproduct of the silk industry, these pupae are an excellent and sustainable source of protein and fat.
Their most unique benefit is a high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids. Much like the effect of adding flaxseed to a diet, these healthy fats contribute to overall cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and can result in eggs with richer, more vibrantly colored yolks. For a backyard flock, this is a simple way to boost the nutritional quality of the eggs you’re collecting.
Be prepared for their distinct aroma. Silkworm pupae have a strong, nutty smell that is different from other dried insects. Most chickens take to them immediately, but a particularly picky flock might need a moment to get used to them. The nutritional payoff, however, is well worth the introduction.
Picky-Nicky Grasshoppers: A High-Fiber Snack
For a treat that most closely resembles what a free-ranging bird would find in a summer field, look no further than dried grasshoppers. These large, crunchy insects are a flock favorite and offer benefits that go beyond simple protein content.
The key is their exoskeleton, which is rich in chitin. Chitin acts as a form of dietary fiber for chickens. It’s not easily digested, so it functions as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the chicken’s gut. A healthy gut microbiome is the foundation of a strong immune system and efficient nutrient absorption.
Their size also makes them a particularly satisfying treat. A chicken can really get a solid, deliberate peck on a grasshopper, which is a different mechanical action than scooping up tiny larvae. This variety in food size and texture is a subtle but important part of a comprehensive enrichment strategy.
Uncle Jim’s Red Wigglers: The Ultimate Live Treat
Improve your garden with 100 Red Wiggler composting worms! These worms enhance soil structure and quality by transforming waste into nutrient-rich castings, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Nothing triggers a chicken’s foraging instinct like live food. Dried insects are great, but the wriggling, squirming motion of a live earthworm sends a flock into a state of joyful chaos. Red wigglers, the same worms used in vermicomposting, are the perfect live treat.
The enrichment value here cannot be overstated. A chicken hunting a live worm is exercising its mind and body in a way no stationary treat can replicate. It’s a puzzle and a prize all in one, and it provides a level of mental engagement that is the ultimate cure for coop boredom.
Best of all, you can create a self-sustaining supply right in your backyard. A simple worm bin fed with kitchen scraps can produce a steady stream of high-protein treats for your flock. This closes a loop on the homestead, turning waste into a valuable resource. While handling live worms isn’t for everyone, it is undeniably the most natural and stimulating way to offer an insect treat.
How to Safely Offer Insect Treats to Your Flock
The most important rule is to remember that treats are just that—treats. They should never replace a high-quality, formulated layer feed. A good guideline is the 90/10 rule: at least 90% of your flock’s diet should come from their main feed, with no more than 10% coming from treats of any kind, including insects.
How you offer them matters. The best method is to scatter them widely across the run or in a pile of clean leaves or straw. This forces the birds to scratch and search, extending the activity and ensuring everyone gets a chance. Avoid dumping them in a feeder, which can lead to frantic competition where dominant birds get everything. For a special treat, you can mix insects with a little coconut oil and scratch grains to form "foraging cakes."
Finally, always prioritize safety. Only purchase insect treats that are processed and sold specifically for animal consumption. This ensures they are free from pesticides, herbicides, and other contaminants. While it’s tempting to let your flock feast on bugs from the yard, you can’t be sure those insects haven’t come into contact with chemicals from your property or a neighbor’s. Stick to trusted sources for peace of mind.
Choosing the right insect treat isn’t just about finding what your chickens like best. It’s about understanding the unique nutritional and behavioral benefits each one offers. By rotating between a calcium-rich grub, a high-protein mealworm, and an enriching live worm, you’re doing more than just feeding your flock—you’re nurturing their instincts and building a more resilient, vibrant, and happy group of birds.
