The Benefits of Giving Your Chickens Live Feed
If you’ve ever watched hens happily scratching around, you’ll know that foraging is second nature to them. Chickens love to peck and rummage, searching for treats hidden in the soil. So, if you are keeping chickens, it makes total sense that one of the best ways to support their natural behaviour and boost their nutrition is by offering them live feed. Live grubs are packed with protein and essential nutrients and encourage a more enriched, active lifestyle for your flock.
Why Feed Live Grubs to Chickens?
Adding live grubs to your chickens’ diet is a brilliant way to provide extra protein in a natural way. In the wild, chickens would feed on insects and larvae, so feeding them live grubs mimics this natural diet. The movement of the grubs encourages chickens to actively forage and scratch, keeping them entertained and reducing boredom, which is especially helpful in enclosed spaces.
Live feed also plays a role in overall hen health. Protein is essential for feather growth, egg production, and muscle development. Hens need even more protein when they’re moulting or laying, making live grubs a great addition to their daily feed routine.
What Types of Live Feed Can You Feed Chickens?
At Pipinchick, we offer a variety of live grubs for chickens, each with unique benefits for your birds:
Live Mealworms – A firm favourite with most chickens! Mealworms are high in protein and fat, providing an energy boost, especially in colder months. They are perfect as a treat or to encourage natural foraging behaviour. Shop live Mealworms for chickens here »
Live Calci Worms – These little grubs are a fantastic source of calcium, which is essential for strong eggshells and healthy bones. If you want to support your hens’ overall health while keeping their eggs strong, Calci worms are a great choice. Shop live Calci Worms for chickens here »
Live Mario Worms – A larger grub that takes chickens a bit longer to eat, making them a brilliant enrichment snack. They are packed with protein and have a meatier texture, keeping hens engaged for longer while delivering important nutrients. Shop live Mario Worms here »
How to Feed Live Grubs to Your Chickens
Feeding live grubs to chickens is easy and rewarding. Simply scatter them onto the ground, and your hens will immediately start scratching and pecking as they hunt for their tasty snack. You can also mix them into your chickens’ regular feed or put them in a shallow dish.
Live feed can be given as an occasional treat or a more regular part of their diet, particularly during the colder months, moulting season, or when extra protein is needed. Just be sure to balance treats with their usual high-quality feed to maintain a well-rounded diet.
Happy Hens Means Healthy Eggs
Providing your flock with live grubs isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about encouraging their natural instincts, promoting activity, and keeping them happy. A well-fed, stimulated hen is more likely to lay delicious, nutrient-rich eggs, and there’s nothing better than knowing your birds are thriving.
At Pipinchick, we believe in giving chickens the best quality of life possible and adding the live feed to their diet is a fantastic way to enrich their day. Whether you choose Mealworms, Calci Worms, or Mario Worms, your hens will love you for it!
Take a look at our selection of live feed and treat your flock to something they’ll go wild for!
