Is it possible to give flock to many earth worms?

[NinjaGamer2022]

I am going to start a earthworm (not mealworm yet) bin. Is it possible to give them to many earth worms? Can I just fill a large bowl and let them eat what they want? I want earthworms to be as large of a part of their diet possible. Thx,

 

[nuthatched]

Earthworms can carry parasites, just so you know, but it might not be as big an issue if you raise them from eggs. I don't think they reproduce and grow as fast as you think. for all your chickens, (40?) you'd probably need 4lbs of earthworms a day.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Earthworms are very high in protein but low in fat but they're over 50% protein which is more than double what you find in commercial feed. As far as I can tell they contain no calcium or carbohydrates which chickens will need to make eggs. I will tag someone who knows more about chicken nutrition but my guess is you will be able to supplement their diet with earthworms as opposed to basing it on earthworms
@U_Stormcrow

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

I have heard that earthworms are bad for chickens and can even be deadly to them. I've seen my chickens eat a couple every now and then, and they were just fine. I would be concerned about abundance.

If you'd like to grow a worm for them, many people like growing mealworms for them. Not only are mealworms tasty treats for the birds, they produce good compost.

 

[NinjaGamer2022]

I have heard that earthworms are bad for chickens and can even be deadly to them. I've seen my chickens eat a couple every now and then, and they were just fine. I would be concerned about abundance.

If you'd like to grow a worm for them, many people like growing mealworms for them. Not only are mealworms tasty treats for the birds, they produce good compost.

Would mealworms be a good and large part a their daily diet? I could start a mealworm bin instead. Thank you all for this info.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Would mealworms be a good and large part a their daily diet? I could start a mealworm bin instead. Thank you all for this info.

I'm not sure about that. I'm pretty positive that it has good protein. I just know that some people enjoy raising them for their birds.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

You would definitely not want to base their diet on mealworms because they're high in fat which can lead to lots of problems. Mealworms should only be given as a treat.

 

[Red-Stars-in-RI]

Mealworms are very high in fat.

Earthworms also make good compost.

My flock “self serve” earthworms all day long in the compost and I’ve never had issues.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Just out of curiosity, are you starting the wlrm farm with the main goal of creating your own chicken food or being self-sufficient in that respect?

 

[cluckmecoop7]

It's alright for the chickens to find and eat earthworms themselves, but I personally wouldn't supply them as feed.