Earth Worms anyone?

[lovezebs]

Hi All?
I have seen Robins eating earth worms, and it got me wondering. Will finches eat earth Worms as well? Is it something that is good/bad for them? Not sure if this is a subject that was ever discussed on the forum, and thought I would throw it out there for some feedback.

[Corkysgirl]

I think they're too big. Also I'm concerned about the bacteria they may carry, e-coli, and such. Anything is a possibility depending on where they were dug from. Also pesticides and chemicals in the soil are always a possibility. Now if it's from a good source...grown in organic soil and you use worms many generations removed from the first generation, they are probably going to be fine...if the bird would eat them...due to the size factor. I found this link on this finch forum. ~It's been over a month since the last post, but I thought I'd give my two cents. When I was researching what to feed baby sparrows when I first brought mine in, I read that earthworms can actually do more harm than good because they can potentially harbor parasites/bacteria that could cause disease in your birds. Not many birds even eat earthworms (contrary to popular belief) other than American Robins, tanagers and a few other species.

[lovezebs]

Corkysgirl
Thanks for the info. Was just wondering.

[Justino222]

You can buy earth worms from worm farmers. Then raise. Your own wotms in a trough (i think thats how its spelled.. A huge horizontal barrel type thingy) and fill it. With organic soil etc. And grow earth worms for your. Little guys:) im sure theres more to it than that but its an idea.

[Colt]

I would think earth worms would honestly be too large but the smaller red worms would probably be a great size for insectivores. We raised them in 6th grade (forever ago) in tubs and put them in the vegetable garden we grew in our science class. They were much smaller than earthworms and we used clean soil for them and damp newspaper on top to keep the soil in the tubs moist.

[lovezebs]

Justino222
@Colt
Thanks guys.
Digging in my yard, I'm coming across all sorts of worms 'n things. Mostly they are your usual run of the mill 'worms'. It just popped into my mind.... early bird gets the worm, and so on, and I thought, hmmmm..... Yummm or Yuckkk? Personally it would be... EEEUUU!!!!! But with birds?? ?? who knows?
I'm still conflicted... wash them, roast them, poach them, saute them with mushrooms???
Good grief, the dilemmas these birds put me through.

[Justino222]

Ahhhahahahahaha. I say saute with mushrooms

[lovezebs]

Justino222
Maybe some onions and herbs as well????

[MiaCarter]

I used to eat worms as a kid.
I don't recall any taste.
I do remember the consistency. Similar consistency to oysters, so perhaps with a bit of lemon?

I don't know what possessed me! I remember chasing around the other kids and grossing them out.
Yeah, I was that girl. LOL

I think they would be too large for a finch, at least. And I don't think they'd be very practical. They'd dry out pretty quick (along with the soil) if you put them in a shallow bin of dirt that was easily forage-able.

Most of my guys won't eat anything large, like crickets, etc. I can't even get them to eat mealworms whole. I've got to crush them up.

[Corkysgirl]

I didn't have much of an appetite and now I've lost it entirely. No matter, as long as my birds are fed! Eggs...only eggs!
My sister in-law ate a slug when she was little. I heard the story over and over again. I was so grossed out! One day when my son was little, he popped something into his mouth from the garden. I quickly ran to swipe it out of his mouth. It was a slug! Who knew this was hereditary!!!
My birds love eggs...and are deprived of delicious fried, sauteed, roasted and poached....slithering things. You all are great care takers! Your birds are lucky ducks!

[lovezebs]

[Justino222]

Mine arnt going after mealworms either I'm trying to get them to eat them. I am breeding them now and I will offer them the many meal worm. I am also trying to switch my Finch pelleys… its a hassel lol

[Justino222]

When i say breeding… i mean the mealworms

[Justino222]

Pellets* *** jeez all the typos… must be the wine haha

[lovezebs]

Justino222
What kind of wine does one have with sauted earth worms? White or red?
Why are you trying to switch finchies to pellets? Where in the world of nature do birds find 'pellets'?
As for mealworms. Crush them to almost dust then offer them on a plate.