Raising a worm farm to feed chickens is a sustainable and cost-effective way to enhance the nutritional content of your poultry’s diet. Worms are rich in protein, essential amino acids, and other nutrients, making them an excellent supplement to conventional chicken feed.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the process of setting up and maintaining a successful worm farm, as well as explore the best practices for incorporating these wriggly creatures into your chickens’ diet.
What Worms Do Chickens Like?
Everything starts with setting up the farm.
Red Wigglers (Eisenia fetida) are an ideal choice for a chicken worm farm. They are prolific breeders, thrive in confined spaces, and are voracious eaters of organic matter.
Chickens typically enjoy a variety of worms, but there are a few types that they particularly like. Some of the worms that chickens generally find irresistible include:
- Mealworms: Mealworms are the most popular and widely available type of worm for chickens. They are high in protein and fat, making them a nutritious snack for chickens. Technically though they are not worms but the larval form of darkling beetles.
- Earthworms: Also known as garden worms, earthworms are another favorite among chickens. They are easy for chickens to catch and are highly nutritious.
- Grubs: Various types of grubs, such as beetle larvae, are relished by chickens. Grubs are typically found in decaying wood, compost heaps, or under stones.
- Waxworms: Although waxworms are not naturally occurring in chicken’s environments, they are often purchased as a treat. These soft and juicy larvae of wax moths are high in fat and considered a delicious delicacy.
- Red Wigglers. Probably one of the most common composting worm and something your chickens will like
It’s important to note that while worms are enjoyed as occasional treats, they should not make up the majority of a chicken’s diet, as they require a balanced feed to meet all their nutritional needs.
Setting Up the Worm Bin
Use a container with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Wooden or plastic bins work well, and they can be easily kept in a garage, shed, or even under a covered porch.
Provide a comfortable environment for your worms by using a bedding mixture of shredded newspaper, cardboard, and coconut coir. Maintain a moisture level similar to a wrung-out sponge.
Worms feed on organic waste, so introduce kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods. Check out my article here if you see mold in the worm bin.
Offer a diverse diet to your worms to ensure optimal nutrition. Rotate the types of kitchen scraps you provide and avoid overfeeding to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
Maintaining Your Worm Farm
Turn the bedding every week to aerate it and prevent the formation of compacted layers. This helps maintain a healthy environment for the worms.
Check the moisture content regularly. If the bedding becomes too dry, mist it with water. Conversely, if it’s too wet, add more dry bedding material.
Keep the worm farm in a temperature range of 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C). Worms are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so monitor and adjust accordingly.
Worm castings, or vermicompost, are nutrient-rich byproducts of the worm farming process. Harvest these castings regularly to use as a potent organic fertilizer for your garden or potted plants.
Feeding Worms to Chickens
Harvest worms when they are at their peak size, typically when they reach 1 to 2 inches in length. Rinse them gently to remove any remaining bedding material.
Start by offering a small quantity of worms to observe your chickens’ reaction. Most chickens eagerly consume worms, but some may need time to adjust to this new addition to their diet.
Slowly increase the amount of worms provided over time. This gradual integration allows the chickens to adapt to the new protein source without disrupting their digestive systems.
Balancing the Diet
On average, a chicken can consume around 10-15 worms per day. However, it can vary depending on the size and breed of the chicken, as well as other factors such as their diet and activity level. It is essential to provide a balanced diet to chickens that includes a variety of other feed sources to ensure their nutritional needs are met.
While worms are an excellent source of protein, they should complement a well-balanced diet. Continue providing high-quality chicken feed to meet their nutritional needs.
Moderation is key. Overfeeding worms can lead to an imbalance in the chickens’ diet, potentially causing health issues. Monitor your chickens’ overall health and adjust the worm supplementation accordingly.
Avoid Overfeeding
If a chicken eats too many worms, it can lead to health issues and potential digestive problems. Worms are a natural part of a chicken’s diet, but feeding them excessive amounts can cause an imbalance. Some potential issues that may arise include:
Nutritional Imbalance: Excessive worm consumption can disrupt the balance of other important nutrients in the chicken’s diet. This can result in deficiencies of essential vitamins, minerals, or amino acids required for overall health.
Obesity: Too many worms can cause overfeeding, leading to weight gain and obesity in chickens. Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems such as cardiovascular issues, joint pain, and difficulty moving.
Digestive Issues: Worms can be rich in protein, and excessive protein intake can strain a chicken’s digestive system. This can result in digestive disturbances like diarrhea or constipation.
Worm Resistant to Deworming Medication: If a chicken consistently consumes a large number of worms, it may develop resistance to deworming medication. Worms that are not killed by the medication can reproduce and spread infection to other chickens.
Benefits of Feeding Worms to Chickens:
Enhanced protein intake: Worms are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle development, feather growth, and overall poultry health.
Improved egg quality: The increased protein intake from worms can positively impact the quality of eggs produced by your chickens, leading to stronger eggshells and more robust yolks.
Natural pest control Chickens actively foraging for worms in the yard contribute to natural pest control. Worms themselves break down organic matter and help control the insect population in the soil.
Environmentally friendly: Raising a worm farm and incorporating it into your chickens’ diet is an eco-friendly approach to poultry husbandry. It reduces food waste by converting kitchen scraps into valuable protein for your flock.
Conclusion:
Establishing and maintaining a worm farm for your chickens is a rewarding and sustainable endeavor. By providing a nutritious supplement to your chickens’ diet, you not only enhance their overall health but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly and self-sufficient approach to poultry keeping.
With careful attention to the needs of both your worms and chickens, you can create a harmonious system that benefits both the animals and your homestead.
