Clear as mud

[drumstick diva]

My understanding is that its very good for chickens to free range,, dig, scratch, eat bugs, worms, etc. But when someone asks for advice on parasite problems for instance gapeworm, tapeworm, etc. they are told the chicken gets it from eating bugs and worms . The bugs are host carriers of parasitic eggs. My conclusion is that chickens shouldn't be allowed to eat earthworms especially, or am I just too mind boggled by differing opinions? Help. I feel a case of the vapors coming on and will retire to the swooning couch.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

My very uneducated guess is benefits outweigh risks??? Also, if a chicko has good general health, these parasites or whatever they pick up will not overrun them due to a good immune system and like I said, basic overall health.

 

[lavacaw]

OK...knock on wood...My chickens have free ranged for years and if they have ever had worms, I have never seen evidence of them. They are raised on dirt from about two days old. I had a couple die with impacted eggs (first batch and I didn't know they could have them) and lost many to the endless number of coons and possums but never from illness. Chickens normally free range and IMHO do best when left alone to do their thing. Cut the mollycoddling!

 

[chookchick]

Chickens can actually carry a small load of worms and not have any problem with it. A healthy chicken will keep the bugs in check. When vets do a "fecal float" they check to see if the number of eggs EXCEED a certain amount. IMHO people often get way too hung up on keeping their chickens worm-free, like worming on a regular basis whether needed or not. Let them eat what they choose to eat, they are very good at making the right choices if we give them the options.