Yes, chickens will readily eat geckos. Chickens are highly opportunistic omnivores and skilled hunters that will consume a wide variety of prey, including small reptiles like geckos.
Chickens as Opportunistic Hunters
Chickens are not just backyard egg-layers; they are also effective foragers and hunters. Their natural diet extends far beyond seeds and greens, encompassing a surprising array of animal protein. They are known for their sharp eyesight and quick movements, making them efficient at spotting and catching small creatures.
Their diet often includes insects, worms, slugs, and snails, but their hunting capabilities extend to larger prey as well. This predatory behavior means that any small creature that crosses their path and is digestible can become a meal.
Common Prey Items for Chickens
Chickens have been observed eating a diverse range of small animals, demonstrating their broad dietary preferences and hunting prowess. These include:
- Insects: Crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and grubs.
- Worms: Earthworms are a particular favorite.
- Mollusks: Slugs and snails.
- Amphibians: Frogs.
- Reptiles: Lizards (which include geckos) and even small snakes.
- Rodents: Small mice or voles.
- Marsupials: Small marsupials, if present in their environment.
Given that chickens are known to eat lizards, geckos, being a type of lizard, are a natural target for a hungry chicken. Their size makes them an easy and nutritious snack for these birds, contributing to a diverse and protein-rich diet for backyard flocks.
