Raising healthy poultry—whether for meat or egg production—requires careful attention to diet and nutrition. One of the most effective and natural ways to give your chickens a protein boost is by feeding them worms. Worms, particularly earthworms and mealworms, are packed with protein, essential fats, and micronutrients that can significantly improve poultry health, growth rate, and egg production. This article explains everything you need to know about how to prepare worms for feeding your flock, the benefits of worm protein, and how to raise or collect worms sustainably.
Why Feed Worms to Poultry?
Poultry require protein to build muscle, develop feathers, and produce eggs. While commercial feeds are formulated to meet these needs, supplementing with natural protein sources like worms can have several advantages:
1. High Protein Content
Mealworms contain about 50–60% protein, while earthworms range between 60–70%. This makes them an excellent supplement, especially during the molting season or for fast-growing broilers.
2. Better Nutrient Absorption
Worms are not only rich in protein but also in fat, calcium, magnesium, iron, and B vitamins—nutrients that support healthy development and strong egg shells.
3. Immune Support
Feeding worms helps boost the poultry immune system. Worm protein aids in producing antibodies and supporting body repair processes.
4. Natural Behavior
Scratching and pecking at worms allows chickens to express their natural foraging behavior, reducing boredom and aggression.
Types of Worms Suitable for Poultry
Before we discuss how to prepare worms for feeding, it's important to understand the types of worms that are safe and nutritious:
A. Mealworms
These are the larvae of the darkling beetle. Mealworms are easy to raise at home and are very popular due to their high protein and fat content.
B. Earthworms
Common in compost piles and moist soils, earthworms are also an excellent protein source. They help in breaking down organic waste and are easy to harvest from the soil.
C. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
BSFL are gaining popularity among poultry farmers. They can be fed on kitchen waste and decompose it quickly. The larvae are very high in protein and calcium.
Avoid feeding your chickens wild-collected worms from contaminated soil or areas treated with pesticides, as these can cause poisoning.
How to Prepare Worms for Poultry Feed
Whether you're collecting worms from nature or farming them yourself, it's crucial to prepare them properly to ensure your birds get the most nutritional benefit and stay safe from pathogens.
Step 1: Harvesting or Sourcing the Worms
a) Collecting Worms Naturally
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Look in compost piles, wet gardens, beneath stones, and leaf litter.
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Use a spade to gently turn the soil.
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For large numbers, use a worm trap (a damp bag or old sack left overnight in the garden).
Look in compost piles, wet gardens, beneath stones, and leaf litter.
Use a spade to gently turn the soil.
For large numbers, use a worm trap (a damp bag or old sack left overnight in the garden).
b) Farming Mealworms or BSFL
You can raise your own worms using simple containers, organic waste, and moisture control. Here’s a simple overview:
Mealworm Farming:
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Use a plastic or wooden container with fine mesh.
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Fill with bran, oats, or cornmeal as bedding.
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Add sliced carrots or potatoes for moisture.
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Add mealworm beetles or larvae.
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Keep in a dark, warm place (25–28°C).
BSFL Farming:
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Use a black container to attract flies.
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Add kitchen waste like vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and starches.
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Allow black soldier flies to lay eggs.
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Harvest larvae once they are large and plump.
Step 2: Cleaning and Gut-Loading Worms
Just like fish, worms can carry dirt or unwanted substances. Clean them before feeding:
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Rinse worms thoroughly in clean water to remove soil or bedding.
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Soak for a few minutes in clean water to remove grit.
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For mealworms, consider gut-loading them for 24 hours by feeding them healthy greens or grains. This boosts their nutritional value.
Step 3: Drying or Cooking (Optional but Recommended)
Feeding live worms is fine for occasional treats, but drying or cooking them offers longer shelf life and reduces pathogen risk.
a) Drying Worms:
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Place rinsed worms on a tray.
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Dry them under the sun for 2–3 days, turning regularly.
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Alternatively, dry them in an oven at 90°C (194°F) for 2–3 hours.
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Store in an airtight container in a cool place.
Place rinsed worms on a tray.
Dry them under the sun for 2–3 days, turning regularly.
Alternatively, dry them in an oven at 90°C (194°F) for 2–3 hours.
Store in an airtight container in a cool place.
b) Boiling or Light Frying:
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Boil worms in water for 3–5 minutes. This kills any harmful bacteria or parasites.
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Let them cool before serving to chickens.
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You can lightly fry in a pan without oil to improve flavor and texture.
Boil worms in water for 3–5 minutes. This kills any harmful bacteria or parasites.
Let them cool before serving to chickens.
You can lightly fry in a pan without oil to improve flavor and texture.
Step 4: Feeding Worms to Poultry
How Much to Feed?
Worms should supplement the diet—not replace balanced feed. Use the following guidelines:
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Chicks (under 8 weeks): 2–3 worms per bird, 2–3 times a week.
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Growers/Layers: A small handful per 10 birds daily.
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Broilers: 5–10 worms per bird daily, especially during fattening stages.
How to Offer?
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Scatter on the ground for foraging fun.
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Mix with grains or mash.
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Use as a training reward or for hand feeding.
Scatter on the ground for foraging fun.
Mix with grains or mash.
Use as a training reward or for hand feeding.
Tips for Worm Farming Success
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Maintain cleanliness – Keep the worm farm dry and odor-free.
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Use organic inputs – Avoid chemically treated waste.
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Harvest regularly – Overcrowding can affect worm health.
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Provide proper ventilation – Especially for mealworm and BSFL containers.
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Separate life stages – For consistent production, separate larvae from beetles or flies.
Maintain cleanliness – Keep the worm farm dry and odor-free.
Use organic inputs – Avoid chemically treated waste.
Harvest regularly – Overcrowding can affect worm health.
Provide proper ventilation – Especially for mealworm and BSFL containers.
Separate life stages – For consistent production, separate larvae from beetles or flies.
Health Benefits of Worms in Poultry
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Faster Growth – Chickens fed with worms grow faster due to high protein intake.
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Improved Egg Quality – Hens lay stronger, more nutrient-rich eggs.
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Better Feathering – Worm protein supports molting and healthy plumage.
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Reduced Feed Costs – Worms can reduce the amount of commercial protein feed needed.
Faster Growth – Chickens fed with worms grow faster due to high protein intake.
Improved Egg Quality – Hens lay stronger, more nutrient-rich eggs.
Better Feathering – Worm protein supports molting and healthy plumage.
Reduced Feed Costs – Worms can reduce the amount of commercial protein feed needed.
Caution: What to Avoid
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Do not feed spoiled worms or those with mold.
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Avoid worms from contaminated areas like garbage pits or pesticide-sprayed gardens.
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Do not overfeed—too many worms can cause digestive issues or obesity.
Do not feed spoiled worms or those with mold.
Avoid worms from contaminated areas like garbage pits or pesticide-sprayed gardens.
Do not overfeed—too many worms can cause digestive issues or obesity.
Conclusion
Feeding worms to your poultry is an excellent, natural way to enhance their nutrition, reduce feed costs, and promote healthy growth and egg production. Whether you choose to farm mealworms, collect earthworms, or use BSFL, the key is to ensure proper hygiene and preparation. By integrating worm protein into your poultry feeding program, you’re not only mimicking natural diets but also embracing sustainable farming practices.
Remember, variety is essential. Combine worm feeding with grains, greens, and clean water for a balanced diet. Happy chickens lay better eggs, grow faster, and are more resilient—and worms can be your secret weapon in achieving that.
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