When to start baby chicks on worms?

[Laura65]

Hi All!

We just bought two Bantam Cochins which are now 10 days old, and are getting the starter medicated feed. They are super active and very healthy. We have them in a box for the moment, while we build a coop.

My kids are dying to give them worms from the compost pile but I want to wait a little longer.

When is safe to start giving them food scraps and/or worms other than their starter feed?

Thanks!

 

[jen5680]

I tried giving mine treats when they were really little and they were not intersted at all. Just tell the kids to try every week and when they are ready they will gooble them down. I am not a pro so I don't no when it is considered safe but I did this with all of mine and they are very healthy.
have fun!!

 

[FaithAnn]

I started taking mine out when he was 1 week old. I would dig up earthworms for him and he loved it - the small ones at least. He has eaten all types of bugs ever since.

 

[speckledhen]

They may find them on their own, but just remember that they can get worms by eating earthworms. Best not to feed them to the chicks on purpose.

 

[FaithAnn]

Learn something new everyday...thanks.

 

[Junkmanme]

Chickens can GET WORMS from eating earthworms?

Where can I find additional information on THIS?

First time that I've heard THIS..........

-Junkmanme-

 

[speckledhen]

Earthworms are a carrier of the nematode that causes gapeworm, not extremely common, but possible to contract from eating worms.

http://www.thunderbirdfarm.net/ebooks/Diseases_and_Parasites.txt

 

[Burbchickens]

Look up Gape worm in the search or Google it.

 

[Sissy]

I have never fed mine worms they may have found them in their run. and they have been out doors since 3 weeks .
so if they ate worms at 3 weeks they are still happy and healthy.