One of the greatest joys of keeping backyard chickens is watching them scratch, peck, and hunt for food in the yard. Naturally, you may be asking: can chickens eat forage? The answer is yes. Foraging is not only safe, but it’s one of the healthiest and most natural activities for your flock. Chickens love to forage for grass, weeds, seeds, and insects — and it provides them with extra nutrients, exercise, and mental stimulation.
In this guide, we’ll break down why forage is good for chickens, what to watch out for, and review the best foraging products you can buy to support your flock.
Quick Picks: Best Forage Options for Chickens
- Best Overall: Manna Pro Forage Seed Mix – High-quality blend of clover, rye, and grasses for backyard flocks.
- Best Budget: Cover Crop Forage Blend – Affordable seed mix that grows quickly for grazing hens.
- Best Premium: Hancock Seed Company Chicken Forage Mix – Premium, farm-quality seed blend designed for poultry foraging.
Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Forage for Chickens
Chickens thrive when given access to natural forage, but not all forage is equal. Here’s what to know before letting your hens roam:
- Safety: Only allow chickens to forage in areas free of pesticides, herbicides, or toxic plants.
- Variety: A mix of grasses, clovers, and legumes keeps nutrition balanced.
- Protein Boost: Foraging helps chickens catch insects and worms, adding valuable protein.
- Seasonal Growth: Choose forage mixes that can thrive in your climate year-round.
- Soil Benefits: Forage crops improve soil health, which benefits your garden and flock.
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Manna Pro Forage Seed Mix
Who it’s for: Backyard flock owners who want an easy-to-grow forage option that supports natural grazing.
Key Benefits:
- Blend of ryegrass, clover, and forage peas
- Encourages natural scratching and grazing
- Improves egg yolk color and nutrition
Pros:
- Quick-growing blend
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Great for small backyard plots
Cons:
- May need reseeding after heavy grazing
- Not suited for very dry climates
Final Verdict: An affordable and effective forage mix for any backyard chicken keeper. Check price on Amazon.
2. Cover Crop Forage Blend
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious owners who want a low-cost forage solution for chickens.
Key Benefits:
- Fast-growing grasses and clover
- Boosts soil quality while feeding hens
- Provides year-round ground cover
Pros:
- Affordable bulk seed option
- Great for gardens and runs
- Dual-purpose: improves soil and feeds birds
Cons:
- Less variety than premium mixes
- May require extra fencing to protect young sprouts
Final Verdict: A great budget-friendly forage blend. Check price on Amazon.
3. Hancock Seed Company Chicken Forage Mix
Who it’s for: Chicken owners who want a premium, farm-grade forage solution.
Key Benefits:
- Specially designed seed mix for poultry
- High protein content for better egg production
- Durable growth for long-term grazing
Pros:
- Professional-grade quality
- Balanced mix of legumes and grasses
- Improves overall flock health
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Requires proper soil preparation
Final Verdict: A premium investment in chicken health and foraging enrichment. Check price on Amazon.
4. Outsidepride Clover Seed Mix
Who it’s for: Chicken keepers looking to add clover forage for hens and soil enrichment.
Key Benefits:
- High-protein forage crop
- Great for soil nitrogen fixing
- Chickens enjoy the taste
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to grow
- Helps improve pasture soil
- Nutritious and palatable
Cons:
- Single-crop forage — not as varied as mixes
- Can be overgrazed quickly
Final Verdict: Great for mixing with other forage seeds. Check price on Amazon.
5. Barenbrug USA Forage Grass Seed
Who it’s for: Those wanting a durable grass forage for large flocks.
Key Benefits:
- High-yield forage grass
- Designed for grazing animals
- Great ground cover for chicken runs
Pros:
- Durable under foot traffic
- Provides long-lasting pasture
- Works in multiple climates
Cons:
- Not a complete forage by itself
- May require reseeding in heavy-use areas
Final Verdict: A tough grass option for chicken yards. Check price on Amazon.
6. Eretz Ryegrass Seed Mix
Who it’s for: Chicken keepers who want fast-growing green forage.
Key Benefits:
- Quick-germinating ryegrass
- Nutritious green feed for chickens
- Soil erosion control
Pros:
- Sprouts quickly for fast grazing
- Great for seasonal planting
- Affordable option
Cons:
- Shorter growing season
- Needs replanting more often
Final Verdict: A great seasonal forage option. Check price on Amazon.
Comparison Table
| Name | Key Features | Specs/Capacity | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manna Pro Forage Seed | Clover, rye, peas mix | 5 lb bag | Check Price |
| Cover Crop Forage Blend | Budget-friendly grass mix | 5 lb bag | Check Price |
| Hancock Chicken Mix | Premium poultry forage | 10 lb bag | Check Price |
| Outsidepride Clover Seed | High-protein clover forage | 5 lb bag | Check Price |
| Barenbrug Forage Grass | Durable grazing grass | 25 lb bag | Check Price |
| Eretz Ryegrass Mix | Fast-growing ryegrass | 5 lb bag | Check Price |
FAQ: Chickens and Forage
1. Can chickens safely eat forage?
Yes. Foraging is natural and healthy for chickens, as long as they aren’t exposed to toxic plants or pesticides.
2. What types of forage are best for chickens?
Clovers, ryegrass, peas, alfalfa, and a mix of legumes and grasses are all excellent forage options.
3. Can forage replace chicken feed?
No. Forage is a supplement, not a complete diet. Chickens still need balanced layer feed to meet protein and calcium needs.
4. How much forage do chickens need?
Chickens benefit from daily foraging, but even an hour or two outside can improve health and egg quality.
5. Can chicks eat forage?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Chicks need starter feed as their main diet, with access to grit to help digest forage.
Conclusion
So, can chickens eat forage? Absolutely — and they thrive on it. Foraging gives them fresh greens, bugs, and exercise, all while improving egg quality and flock happiness. The key is balance: let your hens forage daily, but make sure they also get complete poultry feed to cover all nutritional bases.
If you want to encourage healthier foraging, consider planting one of the top forage seed mixes we reviewed above. Your hens will reward you with better health, stronger eggs, and lively energy around the coop.
Special Guide for Coop Owners
Foraging is only one piece of raising healthy hens. To go further, we recommend:
Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US
- Step-by-step coop building instructions
- Noise and smell control tips
- Beginner-friendly care routines
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