Chickens eat grains, seeds, insects and different types of feed, but they do not chew their food because they have no teeth. Instead, they rely on a specialised digestive system that breaks down food mechanically and chemically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chicken uses its beak to pick up, break or swallow food. After swallowing, the feed passes through the oesophagus and may temporarily remain in the crop<\/strong>, a pouch-like organ that stores and softens food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The feed then enters the proventriculus<\/strong>, also known as the glandular stomach. Here, digestive acids and enzymes begin the chemical breakdown of nutrients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the proventriculus, food enters the gizzard<\/strong>, a strong muscular organ responsible for grinding feed into smaller particles. The repeated muscular contractions of the gizzard perform a function similar to chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small stones or insoluble grit may help the gizzard grind whole grains and coarse feed more effectively. This is particularly relevant for free-range birds or chickens receiving whole grains. Birds consuming properly processed complete commercial feed may have a lower need for additional grit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthy digestive system supports:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Farmers should provide balanced feed, clean drinking water and appropriate flock management to maintain healthy digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although chickens have no teeth, their digestive system is highly adapted to process feed efficiently. The gizzard plays a central role in poultry nutrition by mechanically reducing feed particle size and supporting further digestion in the intestines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding the chicken digestive system helps poultry farmers make better decisions about feed form, particle size, grit use and digestive-health management. Proper nutrition and gut health directly influence bird performance and farm profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Role of the Gizzard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Digestive Health Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
VNV Insight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why It Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n