Feeding chicks earthworms

[Frosty]

I see a lot of posts from folks feeding chicks earthworms... I just wanted to mention that earthworms CAN carry eggs from roundworms and other parasites. Roundworms do more damage to chicks than they do to adults. I realize that adult chickens will likely find an earthworm here and there, but I really would think twice about giving them to your chicks.

 

[Flyman39]

+ 1 on that Frosty.

 

[Gindee77]

I posted yesterday about feeding my chicks worms. It was a riot!

That being said, I also feed my chicks diatomaceous earth regularly which takes care of any roundworms they may have (or lice and mites because I also mix it with their bedding). That stuff is great!!

Chicks can also get roundworms from just being out on soil and since my chicks will be out in their tractor as soon as they are old enough or if it ever warms up, I've decided to take a pro-active approach to parasites right from the start.

Thanks for the info!

 

[hillbillygreen]

Hi! Newbie here:

Can I start using DE on them already? I just ordered some and it should be in soon... because I did feed mine worms last week!

I need to see if my starter/grower is medicated... I don't remember seeing that.

 

[Flyman39]

Hello Hillbillygreen. Where you from?? I defer to someone else on the Diatomacious Earth. I have never used it. I don't know much about it. Welcome to BYC.