The best worms for my chickens?

[Corrie W]

I have been thinking about starting my own little "worm farm." I have the perfect set up and could easily get one started but I have heard that earthworms could carry Gape worms. I certainly don't want to any issues but I figured that would be a good way to get more protein in my flock.

Suggestions on what to do? Pros and cons.
What kind of worms should I use? If I start my own farm, will I have a gape worm issue or somehow contract a problem?

 

[andreanar]

A lot of people do mealworms. I don't know much about it tho.

 

[Corrie W]

A lot of people do mealworms. I don't know much about it tho.

I'll have to do some research on them!

 

[lazy gardener]

Corrie, Gape worm is not a common issue. At least in my area. If it's a concern to you, you could call your county agricultural extension office and see how common it is in your area. I've never heard of any one in my state ever having issues with it. Much easier than doing a worm farm would be to simply place some cardboard on the ground in your yard, and wet it down with the hose. Keep that cardboard damp, and you'll have all sorts of worms. No work involved. That cardboard will also attract all sorts of tasty bugs for your chick's foraging pleasure.

 

[Pensmaster]

I've tried earthworms for chickens. They seem to prefer the meal worms. Although there were a couple that turned their beaks at the mealworms. I had been feeding them an occasional grasshopper and they were none to happy with the switch to mealworms.
Mealworms eat quite a bit from what I'm seeing. Only had them for about 5 months now.

 

[Corrie W]

Corrie, Gape worm is not a common issue. At least in my area. If it's a concern to you, you could call your county agricultural extension office and see how common it is in your area. I've never heard of any one in my state ever having issues with it. Much easier than doing a worm farm would be to simply place some cardboard on the ground in your yard, and wet it down with the hose. Keep that cardboard damp, and you'll have all sorts of worms. No work involved. That cardboard will also attract all sorts of tasty bugs for your chick's foraging pleasure.

That sounds like a much easier and less involved way to get worms! I'm sure since they are free range most of the day, they find them on their own, but as treats and extra protein I want more!