@Titan Farm Thank you for that information. I was not aware that earth worms were that low in protein. However, I did an other search, and found this:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00071668008416688?journalCode=cbps20
Abstract
1. Feeding trials were conducted with chickens from 1 d to 8 weeks of age to evaluate the nutritional value of earthworms. The growth rate of chickens fed on maize or a protein‐free diet supplemented with earthworms and vitamins was not significantly different from that of control birds fed on a complete grower diet (150 g protein/kg).
2. The amino acid composition of earthworm homogenate was found to correspond fairly well with the amino acid requirements of chickens.
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While this article does not support my theory that good quality free range provides excellent nutrition, it does support the theory that free range can go far in meeting the dietary needs of a flock. Which is the point that I was trying to make. When my birds have free range, their feed trough does not get empty.
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00071668008416688?journalCode=cbps20
Abstract
1. Feeding trials were conducted with chickens from 1 d to 8 weeks of age to evaluate the nutritional value of earthworms. The growth rate of chickens fed on maize or a protein‐free diet supplemented with earthworms and vitamins was not significantly different from that of control birds fed on a complete grower diet (150 g protein/kg).
2. The amino acid composition of earthworm homogenate was found to correspond fairly well with the amino acid requirements of chickens.
_______________________________________________________________________
While this article does not support my theory that good quality free range provides excellent nutrition, it does support the theory that free range can go far in meeting the dietary needs of a flock. Which is the point that I was trying to make. When my birds have free range, their feed trough does not get empty.