In Valheim, chickens eat seeds, berries, and insects, which players can provide to ensure their chickens grow and produce eggs effectively.
Raising chickens in Valheim unlocks a sustainable source of eggs and meat, but their feeding mechanics differ from other tamed animals. Unlike boars or wolves, chickens have specific dietary needs and breeding behaviors that impact your farming efficiency.
What Foods Can Chickens Eat in Valheim?
Valheim chickens consume various seeds found throughout the game world:
- Barley seeds (grown in Plains biome)
- Flax seeds (Plains biome crop)
- Turnip seeds (Swamp biome crop)
- Carrot seeds (Black Forest biome crop)
- Onion seeds (Mountain biome crop)
- Tree seeds (Acorns, pine cones, beech seeds)
- Dandelions (Common yellow flowers)
According to player testing on Steam Community forums, chickens show no preference between seed types – they’ll consume any available seeds in their enclosure.
Feeding Mechanics Explained
Consumption Rate
Chickens eat approximately once every 10 minutes of real time, with the first feeding occurring at sunrise. Each feeding consumes one seed per chicken.
Stack Feeding
You can throw entire stacks of seeds into their enclosure. Chickens will automatically consume what they need over time without wasting the entire stack at once.
Breeding and Egg Production
Feeding directly impacts your chickens’ reproduction:
| Activity | Requirement | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Egg laying | Fed chickens + player within 64m | 33% chance per feeding |
| Egg hatching | Warm environment (near fire) | 2-3 in-game days |
| Chick maturation | Time only | Additional 2-3 days |
As noted in our guide on introducing chickens to new coops, space management is crucial. Chickens stop laying eggs when their enclosure becomes overcrowded (approximately 10 adults per 10m area).
Advanced Chicken Farming Tips
- Dandelion strategy: These common flowers make excellent low-cost feed when collected regularly
- Seed rotation: Use tree seeds you’re not planting to avoid wasting crop seeds
- Temperature control: Place a brazier in the coop to automatically keep eggs warm for hatching
- Population control: Maintain 4-6 hens for consistent egg production without overcrowding
Common Chicken Farming Questions
Will Chickens Starve Without Food?
No. Unlike real chickens, Valheim chickens won’t die from starvation. They simply stop reproducing when unfed. This makes them lower maintenance than other livestock.
Do Chickens Eat While You’re Away?
Yes, but with limitations. While chickens will consume available food when you’re elsewhere in the world, they only breed when a player is within 64 meters. Eggs will still hatch during your absence if kept warm.
Optimal Feeding Amounts
For small flocks (4-6 chickens), 20-30 seeds at a time suffices. Larger operations may require 50-100 seeds per feeding cycle. As mentioned in our chicken feeding quantity guide, overfeeding wastes resources without benefit.
Automated Chicken Farm Designs
Advanced players create self-sustaining chicken systems using:
- Egg collection chutes: Sloped floors direct eggs to a central collection point
- Auto-separators: Gates or height differences keep adults and chicks apart
- Feeding dispensers: Item stands with seed stacks placed just out of chicken reach
These systems minimize daily maintenance while maximizing egg and meat production. The Valheim community constantly develops new designs worth exploring.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- No egg production: Check population density and ensure chickens are being fed
- Eggs not hatching: Verify temperature with a nearby heat source
- Food disappearing: This occurs when exiting the game – only place what chickens will consume in your current session