Worms from the yard

[monaname]

My chicks are three weeks old today. I have 7 Barred Plymouth Rocks. Can I give them worms from the yard every day and how many worms can I give them? I wanted to provide a little extra protein for them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/96936_p6270174.jpg

Thanks!

 

[3goodeggs]

That's a really cute picture.
The following is just an opinion.
Many people do different things, but...
I would hold off on the earth worms. Give them some scrambled egg for extra protein if you would like.
The thing about earthworms is that they themselves have parasites that the chicks can get.

As a big healthy yard ranging bird, I would not worry about it because they are grown and healthy and can handle a parasite or two until you worm them.
Being young and getting in their feathers and growing bones... they do not need the nutrient competition that parasites could give them right now.

 

[monaname]

Quote:
Okay, now I'm nervous! What should I look for if they get a parasite?!

 

[3goodeggs]

Sorry it has taken so long to get this sent. I keep losing my 'post reply' to... who knows.
anyhow.
DON"T PANIC!
and don't worry.
healthy happy chicks do not need to be worried over.
Read all of these threads with the idea that your chicks are fine. This is for future information.
no need to worry.
Now, let me see if Third time is a charm or not...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=420520
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=294856&p=1
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=216407
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=294621
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm015
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=203048

yep. I did it.
again, do not worry. read up on diseases and worms and be prepared, but do not expect your animals to get these diseases, prevention is the key.
have fun with your cuties.
and again...do not worry.

 

[monaname]

Thank you! I've stepped away from the ledge! ;-) I guess it's Gapeworms that come from earthworms. But I don't see a treatment.

 

[3goodeggs]

I think gapeworms are in the nematode family so ivermectinshould take care of gapeworms. Cestodes, tape worms, need something else. I think it starts with an 'N" i would do the search for you, but I am having a difficult time navigating today. It's Probably time to worm the computer.

If you become concerned about anything, there is a search box up in the right hand corner of this page. type in a key word and you will get loads of past posts to look through.
I think I spent more time on BYC my first year of chikenhood than with my family.
There is a lot to know, but again, don't worry. The chances are nothing will happen to your chicks. It is just good to know 'in case'.

 

[monaname]

Quote:
Thank you very much for the reassurance. I really appreciate all the help I can get. :-D