Can chickens eat the bugs found under logs/stuff

[Bryce Thomas]

So I lifted up a log to clean up the coop and somehow a rat died under it and maggots were everywhere. So I scream and run away but the chickens being the perfect exterminators they are they all just ran up and ate everything. Yes I got rid of the rat immediately before they could even peck at it and yes the coop is clean and everything

 

[ninja333pirate]

there is no problem with the bugs themselves, I would make sure to deworm them regularly though, that way they don't get a lot of parasites.

 

[GC-Raptor]

yummy. I would say it's OK, but
I'd not eat the eggs from them for a couple of days if I saw my hens do that.
But who knows what they come across while free ranging. GC

 

[glib]

It is their ideal, natural diet, and they prefer maggots to just about any other food. Presumably, a natural diet will result in best quality eggs.

 

[BDutch]

Great chicken feast meal. But there is a other important thing to keep in mind that isn’t mentioned before.
Could this rat have been poisoned? If that’s possible I wouldn’t let the chickens eat the rat remains.

 

[3KillerBs]

I agree in re: the rat possibly having been poisoned -- in which case you should clean it up IMMEDIATELY and not allow the chickens to eat it or the maggots growing on it.

But the other stuff under fallen logs, etc. is EXACTLY what chickens should be eating. They are creatures of the forest floor.

 

[Huntmaster]

I have seen where people have made maggot dispensers with hanging cans or buckets with holes in bottom. Adding things food and scrapes for flies to lay eggs on making maggots. they fall and climb out the holes for birds to get.

 

[Mandrogora]

Chickens can contract botulism from eating maggots.

 

[Huntmaster]

Chickens can contract botulism from eating maggots.

Never heard that not saying your wrong, But I know of some folks that have been feeding and using those kind of dispensers for along time. I don't use them not wanting to attract any more flies, but never tried to stop my birds from eating them if opportunity arises.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Never heard that not saying your wrong, But I know of some folks that have been feeding and using those kind of dispensers for along time. I don't use them but never tried to stop my birds from eating them if opportunity arises.

I think this is probably what Mandrogora is referring to:
https://poultry.extension.org/artic...botulism when,have been in infected carcasses.

At the end of the day you just have to weigh out the pros/cons and what you're okay with. If we're getting technical anything can make you sick given the right circumstances even water