earthworms

[newchickenroost]

i just found an earthworm and gave it to my chickens, i then read online that they can cause gapeworm. Do you think 1 earthworm will matter, if it does matter where and what can i get to treat gapeworm

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. The only earthworms can 'give' gapeworm to chickens is if they have been exposed to the feces of infected birds. I think that your chickens are probably safe.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Absolutely no need to worry about gapeworm. It's SUPER unlikely to happen. Btw

 

[newchickenroost]

oh i forgot to mention that they are a little over a week old

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X3, don't worry, your chicks should be fine.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

Yes, they can give gapeworms to chickens, but it is not all that likely. So you are probably safe. But just the same, I wouldn't offer up any more. Stick to mealworms or dried crickets.

Enjoy your new flock and welcome to ours!

 

[gander007]

 

[drumstick diva]

If you are going to start giving them treats apart from their regular feed, you should sprinkle a little grit over their food. If they are old enough to venture outside they will pick up grit on their own.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

My chickens eat earthworms all the time. Gapeworm is rare.

If I could choose, I would NOT allow my chickens to eat earthworms because of the gapeworm risk. However, there is nothing I can do about it.

I wouldn't worry about gapeworm- it is so rare. Just worry if you see them gaping (not adjusting their crops/yawning) and struggling to breathe. Other conditions can cause this too, so even then, it is possible or even likely that it wouldn't be gapeworm.

Enjoy your chickens!!

If you do ever have to deal with gapeworm, dawg53 has written many informative posts on how to treat it. Don't worm your chickens unless you need to, though- it is very hard on them. Wormers are off label for egglaying hens and you will need to research it carefully. I worm my chickens twice a year because I have had a problem with worms here (not gapeworm though).

I hope this helps.

Drumstick Diva gave you good advice about grit!