Are nightcrawlers the same as earthworms?

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I have so many night crawlers in my yard I don't know how I could prevent them from eating them if they free range. One of my girls loves any thing that moves and I have seen her with a worm already. Can the parasites be passed to humans through the egss? What do you use as a dewormer? Thanks for your reply.

We use Ivomec Eprinex pour-on cattle dewormer. You can buy it at TSC or even from Amazon. It works for most internal and external parasites, but won't kill gapeworm or tapeworms. We use a syringe without a needle and put .5cc on the skin of the neck of each bird. There is no listed withholding for milk or meat in cattle, but we don't eat or sell the eggs for a week afterwards just to be on the safe side since it's not listed for poultry. Very few dewormers are listed for poultry, and I don't have any faith in the natural, organic, or homeopathic varieties. This is a good time of year to de-worm since many people are getting fewer eggs anyway due to fall moult.

 

[nova022]

My kids feed the chickens store bought nightcrawlers at least once a week. It is a treat for the kids and the chickens love them. They will find earthworms and nightcrawlers naturally if they are there, and they will just be a boost to the protein in their diet. In fact it is a JOY to watch them fight over a big juicy worm when someone finds one and someone else notices.

There are some parasites that worms can carry, but I have never had an issue with them.

It seems like most people agree with you. The chickens love them and it is fun to watch them when they find one. Most people say they are aware that there could be a problem, but have never had one. I am glad your children enjoy feeding them. I am hoping to share such experiences with my grandchildren. Thanks.