Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:19:44 +0000

Chickens Chewing More Than Just Grass—What’s Really in Their Diet? When most people imagine chickens pecking at soil and grass, they picture a simple, natural diet. But the truth is far more complex. Modern chickens, whether raised on small farms or backyard coops, are fed a carefully balanced diet far beyond just grass. Understanding what chickens really chew—and eat—reveals fascinating insights into poultry nutrition, health, and even egg production. ### Beyond the Pasture: The True Ingredients in a Chicken’s Diet While free-ranging chickens do enjoy a varied diet of grass, clover, grubs, and seeds, commercially raised and backyard hens rely on carefully formulated feeds to meet their nutritional needs. These feeds aren’t just filler—they’re science-backed prototypes designed to support growth, immunity, and productivity.