Are alive crickets good for Chickens and Birds?

Have your birds tried live crickets? 

 

Crickets are a livefood staple, beloved by chickens, ducks and just about any other bird that enjoys eating bugs. Of course, your birds aren’t aware of a cricket’s nutritional profile. But they’ll definitely feel better for eating them.

 

Crickets are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for healthy growth, feather development, and egg production in chickens. They are rich in amino acids, including all nine essential ones, which are crucial for maintaining optimal health. 

 

Another benefit of feeding crickets to chickens is their high protein content. Protein is the building block of muscle, feathers, and eggs, and it is especially important for hens that are actively laying eggs. Crickets provide a nutrient-dense snack that can help increase egg production and improve the overall quality of eggs, resulting in stronger eggshells and more nutritious yolks.

 

Crickets are also packed with other essential nutrients, such as B-vitamins, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help support the immune system, improve bone health, and promote overall well-being. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are known to support brain function and reduce inflammation in chickens, which can lead to healthier and more active birds.

 

So it’s pretty clear that crickets provide all sorts of nutritional benefits to your birds. But there’s a bonus quality to feeder crickets that makes a huge difference: Live crickets are incredibly fun to catch.

Maybe not for you - that’s why you’re far better off ordering live crickets from us than trying to catch them yourself. But for birds like chickens, live crickets are irresistible to chase and eat.

Chickens are natural foragers, and hunting live insects mimics their instinctual behaviours in the wild. This activity engages their minds, sharpens their reflexes, and promotes physical exercise, all of which contribute to their overall well-being.

 

Chasing and catching live crickets provides chickens with an outlet for natural behaviours, reducing boredom and stress. Boredom in chickens can lead to undesirable behaviours like feather pecking or aggression. The challenge of pursuing live prey stimulates their curiosity and problem-solving skills, fostering a more enriched and content environment.

 

Live insects also encourage social interaction within the flock. The excitement of chasing insects often becomes a group activity, reinforcing social bonds among the birds. This dynamic can help maintain a balanced pecking order and reduce conflicts within the flock.

 

Furthermore, live insects contribute to chickens' physical fitness. The act of running, jumping, and scratching while hunting strengthens their muscles and promotes healthier movement patterns. This physical activity, paired with the nutritional value of insects, leads to healthier and more active birds.

 

A happy pet is a healthy one, and live feeder insects are a great way to ensure all of your birds maintain optimum physical and mental health. Check out our full range of feeder crickets, live, dried or frozen, in a range of sizes and quantities, to meet the needs of your flock.

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