Although it may seem strange to think that chickens would eat roaches, it is a common occurrence.
Chickens are omnivorous animals and have been known to consume a wide variety of food, including common insects such as cockroaches.
Chicken is a staple food source for many people worldwide and is nutritionally beneficial. However, increasingly, farmers are looking for ways to feed their chickens more sustainably and naturally. One way to do this is to feed chickens with cockroaches.
These creepy insects are highly nutritious and provide chickens with an excellent source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
This article will examine why chickens may choose to eat cockroaches, the nutritional benefits of cockroaches for chickens, and any possible risks associated with chickens eating roaches.
Do Chickens Eat Roaches?
Yes, chickens eat roaches.
Chickens are omnivores, meaning they feed on plant and animal matter. One of the animal-based foods that chickens can eat is cockroaches.
They are not a standard part of a chicken’s natural diet, but they will eat them if available or fed to them.
Are Roaches Good for Chickens?
Yes, roaches are good for chickens.
Though not a conventional meal for chickens, when fed to them, roaches can provide essential nutrients that chickens need to stay healthy.
Besides, chickens love to eat insects, and roaches are no exemption. So long as the roaches have not been sprayed with harmful chemicals present in strongest roach killers, they are safe for your chicken.
The main benefit of feeding roaches to chickens is that it provides an additional source of protein. Their exoskeletons also offer an excellent source of calcium and other minerals.
Moreover, roaches contain important vitamins, fatty acids, and other compounds that benefit poultry health, including chitin, which helps to strengthen a chicken’s immune system.
Feeding roaches to chickens can also improve egg production, quality, and overall feather coverage.
Do Chickens Attract Cockroaches?
No, chickens do not attract cockroaches themselves.
However, roaches thrive in warm, humid environments and will actively seek out where they can find food and water.
Therefore, you will find that unkempt chicken coops and barns provide such conditions that can attract pests. In addition, the dirty bedding in the coop may attract roaches.
These roaches will remain hidden during daylight hours and come out at night to feed. And as long as the number of roaches in the coop is not getting out of control, consider leaving the few bugs for the chicken to feed on; they will benefit them.
However, if you’re seeing a whole colony of roaches or other signs of an infestation, you must take measures to eliminate them because an infestation is quite difficult to control.
These scavengers also carry bacteria and other pathogens, which can cause respiratory problems in chickens and will also spread food-borne diseases and parasites to chickens, such as mites, lice, and fleas.
How to Get Rid of Roaches in Your Chicken Coop
- Clean and de-clutter the coop. Cockroaches are attracted to clutter, so getting rid of any clutter and cleaning the coop regularly will help keep them away
- Feed your chicken small amounts of food and water in frequent intervals to avoid leaving leftover food and water out for too long
- Seal up any cracks and crevices. Cockroaches can squeeze through small cracks and openings, so it is essential to seal up any potential hiding spots.
- Use sticky traps. Sticky traps are an effective way to catch and monitor roaches. Place them near potential entry points or areas of roach activity.
- Use natural repellents and remedies that are harmless to the chicken. Diatomaceous earth and baking soda, for example, are safe remedies to use around chickens. On the other hand, boric acid, while effective against roaches is potentially harmful to chickens, and you should avoid using it. Neem oil can also help kill roaches and deter them from entering your chicken coop.
- Use professional pest control services. Contact a professional pest control company to treat the infestation if everything else fails. They will be able to identify and eliminate the roach problem quickly and safely.
Which Are Some of the Natural Remedies for Cockroaches?
Some of the natural remedies for cockroaches include essential oils, cloves, cayenne pepper, lemon, and fruit juices like pineapple, lemon, orange, and lime juice.
Cayenne Pepper and Water: Cayenne pepper is a natural insect repellent that can help deter cockroaches from invading the coop.
Lemon and Cloves: The pungent smell of lemon and cloves can help to repel cockroaches.
Essential oils: Neem oil is a natural remedy that can help to kill and repel cockroaches. Mix neem oil with water and spray around the coop.
Other essential oils used as natural remedies for cockroach infestation include peppermint oil, tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender, citronella, and clove oils.
Fruit juices: Pineapple juice is a natural remedy for cockroach infestation. Pineapple juice contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is believed to be effective at killing roaches.
Spray some pineapple juice around the areas with high roach activity, and let the juice sit for a few hours.
Other natural juice remedies for cockroach infestation include oranges and lime juice. These juices contain citric acid, which can help to repel cockroaches when sprayed around the coop.
How to Feed Roaches to Chicken
Chickens eat cockroaches if they are made available to them; other times, the chicken will feast on the stray roaches in the coop if they are fast enough to catch these speedy pests. To feed them:
- Grind up some dried roaches using a food processor or mortar and pestle
- Mix the ground roaches with a small amount of chicken feed
- Place the mixture in a shallow container, such as a lid or bowl, and place it in the chicken coop
- Observe the chickens to make sure they are eating the roaches
- Offer the roaches daily or as often as desired
Which Bugs Can Chickens Eat?
Chickens can eat a variety of bugs and other insects, such as mealworms, wax worms, super worms, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, soldier flies, and beetles.
These insects are considered to be tasty and nutritious snacks for chickens. They provide a great source of protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals for the chickens.
Can Chickens Eat Madagascar Hissing Roaches?
Yes, chickens can eat Madagascar hissing roaches. These roaches are not poisonous to chickens and may even provide a beneficial food source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Predators Prey on Cockroaches?
Predators that prey on cockroaches include lizards, frogs, toads, owls, rats, and birds.
Cockroaches have many natural predators. For instance, some insects like spiders (brown huntsman spider), centipedes, ants, praying mantis, and wasps (emerald cockroach wasps) eat roaches.
Do Birds Eat Cockroaches?
Yes, birds eat cockroaches.
All insect-eating birds will feed on roaches. Some other birds will also eat roaches if they are presented as food, even though they are not a natural part of their diet.
Can Chickens Eat American Cockroaches?
Yes, chickens can eat American cockroaches.
Though the size of American cockroaches can vary, and some are typically too large for a chicken to consume, chickens eat cockroaches if fed to them.
