What Do Poultry Eat?

Poultry, including chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese, are omnivorous birds that eat a varied diet consisting of grains, seeds, insects, greens and kitchen scraps. Their diets should be balanced to provide carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals to support growth, egg production and overall health.

Introducing Poultry
Poultry refers to domesticated birds raised for meat, eggs or feathers. Common types include chickens, ducks, turkeys and geese. These birds have been bred to thrive on diverse diets, often combining natural foraging with commercial feed in both backyard and commercial settings.

Diet in the Wild and Free-Range
Free-range poultry forage for seeds, grasses, insects, worms and small invertebrates. This natural diet provides varied nutrients and supports natural behaviours like scratching and pecking. Access to fresh vegetation and insects enhances health and vitality.

Commercial Poultry Diets
In farming, poultry are typically fed nutritionally balanced commercial feeds formulated to meet their specific needs at different life stages. Starter, grower and layer feeds contain appropriate levels of protein, energy, calcium and other nutrients to optimise growth and egg quality.

Farmers may supplement diets with grains, kitchen scraps or pasture access to provide variety and enrichment.

Feeding Behaviour and Care
Poultry feed throughout the day, requiring constant access to clean water and feed. Their natural behaviour includes scratching soil and pecking for food. Providing grit helps digestion by grinding food in their gizzards.

Seasonal and Environmental Influences
Diet quality and foraging opportunities vary seasonally. In winter or confined housing, balanced commercial feeds are critical to meet energy needs. In warmer months, pasture access enhances nutrition and welfare.

Ecological Role and Benefits
Poultry help control insect populations and recycle food waste. Well-managed flocks contribute to sustainable food production and local economies.

Common Questions About Poultry Diet
People often ask if poultry can eat bread; while safe in small amounts, bread lacks nutrition and should not replace balanced feeds. Questions about feeding meat arise; poultry naturally eat insects and small animals but primarily rely on plant-based feeds.

Conclusion
Poultry require diverse, balanced diets combining grains, proteins and greens to maintain health and productivity. Supporting natural foraging behaviour alongside formulated feeds promotes welfare and sustainable farming.