Would earth worms be a good treat for chicks?

[vjbakke]

My chicks won't eat scrambled eggs, but they LOVE earth worms! Is it ok to feed them this? They have a small dish of sand in with them.

 

[CrazyCatLady76]

If they were out in the barnyard with mom, they'd have worms available, so I'd think it would be fine. Mine won't touch a worm on a bet, though.

 

[TheMainException]

I used to toss worms into the run and my girls and guys would run for cover. They stared at me like I was crazy. My chicks are about 2 weeks old and I've given them salad (sans dressing), strawberries with the tops (after I ate most of the rest of each one, lol), small crickets, mealworms, and bread. Each time, they were very reluctant. But they dug in eventually. Once mine get to teenage years, I'll throw some worms in for them. I'm sure they will love them. The only bugs you should not feed them, that I know of, are lightening bugs. Steer clear of them...they chemical that makes them light up is highly toxic.

 

[kristamarie]

yes to the worms!!
I put a small plastic dish in the brooder with sand, tossed a few small, baby worms i found under some rocks into the sand- which coated them in grit. The wriggling of the worms caught their attention fast. They run around with them and play chick keep away. Mine have been eating worms since they were 5 days old

 

[hunter109]

will wax worms hurt chick if i feed a few to them

 

[vjbakke]

Good to know! I find the "keep away" game quite funny! The two smallest chicks I have were the piggiest eaters of the worms. How often should i feed the worms?

 

[write2caroline]

I had some big meal worms for the Momma and she would pick one up in turn and feed it to her chicks. She wouldn't eat any of them herself and I thought they were too little for wormies. Chicks love em.

Caroline

 

[kesali]

I read somewhere that wax worms have a high amount of some sort of fat. I guess they are all right, but you should not feed too many.

 

[mmaddie's mom]

I used to feed earthworms until I read on BYC that they carry parasites... have since quit feeding them... not worth it. If they pick up some on their own, I can't help it... I just don't encourage it. I do feed grubs as I find them.

 

[definetlydeb]

Mine won't touch a worm...nope, notta...no way...they want thier eggs and oats!!!!