Feeding hornworms?

[saddina]

Are they toxic? Since they're green catapilliers and not a bright color, say orange, I learn towards non-poisionious, but wanted to ask here before they come. We have dozens each summer, so I'm plotting free chicken protien.

 

[rooster-red]

My chickens cruise the tomato plants looking for them.

I saw them fight over a 6" horn worm, gobble it up and had no ill effects.

 

[aupoet]

It has been my experience that chickens know what worms are safe to eat and they won't eat any toxic types. Tomato hornworms, cutworms, budworms, corn earworms and loopers are all fair game as long as you haven't used any toxic chemicals on them. BT is ok and safe to use. I've seen my hens turn their noses up at tent caterpillars, azalea caterpillars, parsley caterpillars and milkweeds cats.