Are worms a health risk for my chickens

[mareeirene]

I have ben reading that worms can contain a parasite that is harmful to chickens , i did want to put my girls to work in the raised vegie beds which will have heaps of worms , slaters , grubs etc in it , should i worry about this , Thanks

 

[Pork Pie]

Personally I would not concern myself over such things. My flock ranges the garden 12 hours a day, every day. Foraging is normal chicken behaviour and should be encouraged wherever possible.

 

[mareeirene]

Personally I would not concern myself over such things. My flock ranges the garden 12 hours a day, every day. Foraging is normal chicken behaviour and should be encouraged wherever possible.

 

[mareeirene]

Thank you CTKen

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed. If one spends time being concerned about insects that might harbor any kind of parasite, that would include, snails, slugs, worms, grass hoppers, and I'm sure hundreds of other insects. To prevent any issues you'd need to keep your birds in a screened pen and not allow contact with soil or vegetation. Your flock will thank you for allowing them to live a more natural life.

 

[Noreaster Egger]

A few of my birds must eat multiple dozens of worms a day. We've had so much rain that they're constantly picking them out of the moist ground. The robins don't even bother in our yard anymore because the chickens chase them off out of competition.

 

[Folly's place]

Mites and lice are more of a health issue for many flocks; don't restrict them to a totally indoor life over parasites! Mary

 

[GC-Raptor]

I don't buy or dig earthworms for my girls or any bugs/insects. I do catch an occasional moth or bug and offer it to a hen if I'm in or near the pen.
I let them out to free range 2 hours before sunset and they dig and forage, and eat whatever they want. GC

 

[ChickenMammX4]

Any chickens that free range or kept in a run with a dirt floor naturally has access to worms and bugs, not something to worry about.

 

[mareeirene]

Thank you everyone !!