Love your backyard chickens and looking for a fun, sustainable way to keep them happy? Starting a worm farm at home might be your next big project! Not only is it an eco-friendly way to recycle kitchen scraps, but it also gives your hens a steady supply of protein-packed treats like mealworms or Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. At pickyneb.com, we’re all about premium dried worms, but growing your own can be a rewarding supplement—and your flock will cluck with delight. Let’s walk through how to get started, step by step.
Why Worm Farming Works for Chicken Keepers
Worms—whether mealworms or BSF larvae—are nutritional goldmines for chickens. Curious why these wiggly treats are so amazing? Peek at The Nutritional Benefits of Mealworms vs. BSF Larvae for Chickens and Wild Birds for the full rundown! They’re packed with protein for feather health and calcium for strong eggshells, plus they’re a sustainable choice that reduces waste. A worm farm lets you take control, cut costs over time, and feel good about going green.
What You’ll Need to Start
Setting up a worm farm is simpler than you think. Here’s your basic toolkit:
-
Container: A plastic bin or wooden box (about 10-20 gallons) with a lid and drainage holes. Drill a few for airflow—worms need to breathe too!
-
Bedding: Shredded newspaper, cardboard, or coconut coir to keep your worms cozy.
-
Worms: Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) or BSF larvae (Hermetia illucens) are top picks. Start with 500-1,000 from a local supplier or online.
-
Food Scraps: Fruit and veggie peels, coffee grounds, or eggshells (crushed). Avoid meat, dairy, or oily stuff—worms aren’t fans.
-
Location: A shady spot in your garage, shed, or backyard—somewhere cool and quiet.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Worm Farm
-
Prep the Bin: Layer 3-4 inches of damp bedding in your container. It should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist, not soggy.
-
Add the Worms: Gently place your mealworms or BSF larvae on top. Give them a day to settle in before feeding.
-
Feed Them: Start with a handful of scraps buried in the bedding. Add more weekly as they munch through it—about a pound per 1,000 worms.
-
Maintain It: Keep the bedding moist (mist it if needed) and check for overcrowding. If it smells funky, cut back on food or add more bedding.
-
Harvest: In 2-3 months, your worms will multiply! Scoop out a handful to treat your chickens, leaving enough to keep the farm going.
Mealworms vs. BSF Larvae: Which to Farm?
-
Mealworms: Easier to raise indoors, love grains like oats or bran, and thrive at room temp (65-75°F). Your hens will adore them as a fatty, protein-rich snack.
-
BSF Larvae: Better for outdoor setups, they eat a wider range of scraps and pack a calcium punch—perfect for egg production. Want to boost those eggs? See How to Use Mealworms and BSFL to Boost Egg Production in Your Flock for pro tips! They prefer warmer temps (75-85°F).
Both are winners, so pick what fits your space and climate—or try both!
Feeding Your Chickens the Homegrown Goodies
Once your worm farm is humming, toss a small handful of worms to your flock daily (about 10% of their diet). Mix them with their regular feed to keep things balanced. Not sure why protein matters so much? Our post on The Role of Protein in Chicken Diets: Why Mealworms and BSFL Matter spills all the secrets! Watch your hens scramble—it’s like a backyard party every time.
Bonus Benefits
-
Sustainability: Turn kitchen waste into chicken treats instead of landfill fodder.
-
Cost Savings: Reduce your need for store-bought supplements over time.
-
Compost: The worm castings (aka worm poop) are a fantastic fertilizer for your garden or coop bedding.
Troubleshooting Tips
-
Too Wet? Add dry bedding to soak up excess moisture.
-
Worms Escaping? Check for overcrowding or too much light—they like it dark and cozy.
-
Slow Growth? Adjust food or temp to match your worm type.
Why Pickyneb Still Has Your Back
While your worm farm grows, pickyneb.com’s premium dried mealworms and BSF larvae are here to tide you over—or top off your supply. Think of your farm as a fun DIY project, with our products as the reliable backup your chickens deserve. Need seasonal feeding ideas? Check out Seasonal Care Tips for Backyard Chickens for year-round flock happiness!
Ready to dig in? Starting a worm farm is a win for your chickens, your wallet, and the planet. Share your worm-farming adventures in the comments—we’d love to cheer you on!