Earthworms?

[Artemis Fowl]

Ok so I went fishing over the weekend and had a few earthworms left so I decided to give some to my chickens, I started with two worms to see how they would react and they went CRAZY! My big BR (Big Bertha) got one and started roaring? My question is can they handle the earthworms and was she just bragging about how good they tasted?

 

[Moabite]

My flock plays "keep away" when one finds a worm and it it good entertainment. I understand they are quit nutritious, but I prefer to keep the worms in the garden and compost just like I don't want to feed the chickens to the dogs. Each tenant has a job to do.
On a side note: I understand that if you feed earth worms corn meal and change it a few times that you can wad the worms up into a ball and flatten it like hamburger. You should fry them in oil as they will probably stick. If you try this, let me know how it was.

 

[3goodeggs]

Quote:
umm...really? I am not sure I will ever be that hungry. I'd eat the corn meal first.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Earthworms can be hosts for certain internal parasites. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VM015 If you fry them up in oil, it should kill any parasite eggs...therefore meat on the table mmmmmm!!!

 

[3goodeggs]

That is an excellent link thanks.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

Quote:
Earthworms can be hosts for certain internal parasites. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VM015 If you fry them up in oil, it should kill any parasite eggs...therefore meat on the table mmmmmm!!!

You think my chickies are at risk for parasites now?

 

[3goodeggs]

Honestly, I think all birds that are on the ground are at risk. Grasshoppers fly into our run all of the time.
I plan on a wazine worming in November, and follow it up with one of the ivermectins, then once a year with just the ivermec.

 

[Artemis Fowl]

Well if thats the case any idea on what I should do with the extra worms? Besides eat them myself

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Hahahaha! lolol. Nah, go ahead and give them to your chickens. If you have regular worming schedule, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

Yep, if your chickes have access to dirt they will be eating worms and grubs of all sorts anyway.