Blog
What do hens naturally eat?
30 March 2026
Hens are natural foragers that eat a varied diet of insects, plants and seeds. Understanding what hens naturally eat can help you keep them healthier and happier.
Hens are natural foragers. In the wild, they spend most of their day scratching, pecking and searching for a wide range of foods.
Understanding what hens naturally eat can help you create a healthier, more enriching environment for your birds.
What do hens eat naturally?
Hens are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter.
A natural diet typically includes:
- insects and larvae
- worms and grubs
- seeds and grains
- grasses and leafy plants
- small amounts of fruit
Rather than eating a single uniform feed, hens naturally consume a varied and changing diet throughout the day.
Why insects are important
One key part of a hen’s natural diet is insects.
Insects provide:
- protein for growth and maintenance
- nutrients that support overall health
- stimulation through natural foraging behaviour
In a natural setting, hens will actively seek out insects by scratching and exploring the ground.
Modern feeding vs natural behaviour
Most backyard hens today are fed a consistent, balanced layer feed. This is important for nutrition, but it does not fully replicate natural behaviour.
A standard feed:
- provides essential nutrients
- supports egg production
- is convenient and reliable
However, it can be quite uniform and does not offer the same level of enrichment as natural foraging.
Bringing feeding closer to nature
You can support your hens’ natural instincts by adding variety to their routine.
This can include:
- allowing time to forage in the garden
- offering leafy greens or safe kitchen scraps
- introducing insect-based treats
Adding insects back into their diet is one of the simplest ways to make feeding feel more natural.
Where calci worms fit in
Calci worms are a practical way to reintroduce insects into your hens’ diet.
They:
- mimic what hens would naturally forage
- provide a consistent, easy-to-feed option
- support both nutrition and enrichment
They are best used as a supplement alongside your hens’ regular feed.
A more natural, happier routine
Feeding your hens doesn’t need to be complicated.
By combining a balanced base feed with natural additions like insects, you can create a routine that supports both health and happiness.
Small changes can make a big difference to how your hens behave, explore and thrive.