A Detailed Guide to Worm Chicken Farming Methods and Techniques

The worm chicken gets its name because it is fed five-grain worms; it is actually a local free-range chicken, but because it is raised on worms, its meat tastes more delicious, and its market price is higher than that of ordinary chickens. So today, the editor will introduce the farming methods for worm chickens.

1. Selecting breeding chickens

To raise worm chickens well, selecting the breeding chickens is the most basic lesson. Although all chickens can become worm chickens through worm chicken farming methods, not all of them can be raised well. So we should choose chicks with bright, glossy feathers, relatively uniform size, and agility and sturdiness. Second, when choosing chicks, try not to use those from inbreeding, as this will affect the future egg production rate and the survival rate of the chicks. Finally, if the hen that laid the chicks originally had a high egg production rate, such chicks will also have a certain hereditary quality, so they will be better.

2. Building the site

The worm chicken farming site can be built using a multi-tier farming method, because normally they only go to rest at night, so the resting area can use a multi-tier model, which can save a certain amount of cost. Second, we should set up fences around the farm to prevent the worm chickens from escaping. At the same time, the farm needs areas specifically for the worm chickens to eat, drink, walk, exercise, and bask in the sun, and all facilities in the farm must be fully prepared. After the site is built, it needs to be disinfected, and only after it is thoroughly disinfected can the chicks be put into the farming site.

3. Feeding methods

The feeding method generally combines confinement and free-range raising, which benefits the physical and mental health of the worm chickens. Feeding needs to be carried out in three stages. Chicks are basically raised in confinement, fed several times a day, with each portion not too large; the main method is to dry the worms, grind them into powder, and add an appropriate amount of green vegetables and forage grass for feeding. When the chicks gradually grow up, the worms can be given directly without being crushed. For adult worm chickens, we can implement a semi-free-range model, letting them find food on their own while also regularly providing worms, green vegetables, and processed worm feed. Worm chickens that have entered the laying period generally need their food intake controlled, otherwise it will affect the egg production rate. Usually, the amount fed is reduced by 8 percent from the original amount, and then gradually adjusted back during production.

4. Feeding management

Feeding management generally refers to the management of the environment in the farm and other aspects. We should regularly clean up the manure and food residue in the farm and disinfect it, which can prevent the worm chickens from contracting diseases. Second, adult roosters and hens should be raised separately, otherwise it will cause chaotic sexual behavior and affect the egg production rate and the reproduction of offspring. During the chick stage, we should use fluorescent lighting, which can maintain the indoor temperature. Finally, the stocking density should also be noted, otherwise excessive crowding can lead to deaths from trampling. Group management should be carried out according to different growth stages.

5. Common misconceptions in farming

There are still major misconceptions about raising worm chickens. Many people believe that worm chickens must be given live worms so they will grow better, but this is actually not the case, because many live worms carry parasites, which not only do no good for the growth and development of the worm chickens but can also cause disease. Second, many people also believe that worm chickens must eat only worms, which is also incorrect. We need to ensure their nutritional balance, so it is still necessary to feed an appropriate amount of vegetables and miscellaneous grains.

The above is the worm chicken farming method compiled by the editor of Tuliu Network. We hope it can help you!