Do Turkeys Eat Worms? 5 Excellent Benefits

Do turkeys eat worms? The answer is yes, they do. Turkeys are omnivorous animals and can eat various things, including worms. Worms are a good source of protein for turkeys and can also provide other benefits.

Worms and other insects are an important part of a wild turkey’s diet, but backyard turkeys can eat them too. However, there are some things to watch out for when feeding worms to turkeys. This article will go over all of that information.

do turkeys eat worms

Can turkeys eat worms?

As mentioned before, turkeys are omnivorous animals. This means that they can eat both plants and animals. In the wild, turkeys will eat various things, including insects, small mammals, and lizards. However, backyard turkeys typically have a diet that consists mostly of plants.

Worms are a good source of protein for turkeys and can provide other benefits as well. Insects, in general, are a good source of nutrients for turkeys. They are high in protein and fat and contain essential vitamins and minerals.

There are several different types of worms that turkeys can eat. Some common ones include earthworms, mealworms, and waxworms. You can buy these worms at most pet stores or online.

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The benefits of eating worms for turkeys

earthworm in dirt

There are several benefits of feeding worms to turkeys.

Protein

As mentioned before, worms are a good source of protein. Protein is important for turkeys, as they need protein to grow and develop properly.

Amino acids

Worms also contain amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are essential for turkeys, as they help the bird build muscle and repair tissue.

Fat

Worms also contain fat, a good source of energy for turkeys. Fat is important for turkeys as it helps them stay warm and provides them energy.

Vitamins and minerals

Worms contain vitamins such as vitamin A and B12, as well as minerals such as iron and copper. These vitamins and minerals are essential for turkeys, as they help keep the bird healthy and strong.

Things to watch out for when feeding worms to turkeys

While feeding worms to turkeys has many benefits, there are also some things to watch out for.

Worms can contain parasites

One of the biggest things to watch out for is that worms can contain parasites. These parasites can make turkeys sick and can even be deadly. Make sure to give turkeys worms that have been raised in a clean environment and fed a healthy diet.

Worms can be a choking hazard

Another thing to watch out for is that worms can be a choking hazard. If the worms are not cut into small pieces, they can get lodged in the turkey’s throat and cause them to choke. Make sure to cut the worms into small pieces before giving them to your turkey.

Too many worms can cause health problems

While worms are healthy and nutritious food for turkeys, too many can cause health problems. Too many worms can cause liver and kidney damage, so it’s important to only give turkeys a small number of worms at a time.

How to add worms to a turkey’s diet

turkey in field

If you want to add worms to your turkey’s diet, there are a few things you need to do.

First, you need to find a good source of worms. You can buy worms at most pet stores or online.

Next, you need to prepare the worms. It would be best if you chopped them up into small pieces so that they are easy for your turkey to eat.

Finally, you need to add the worms to your turkey’s food. You can mix them with their regular feed or add them to a separate dish.

Worms can be a great addition to your turkey’s diet. They are a good source of protein and other nutrients. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces and add them to your turkey’s food in moderation.

How often should turkeys eat worms?

Turkeys should eat worms as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Worms are a good source of protein, amino acids, fat, and other nutrients essential for turkeys.

However, it is important to ensure that worms are given as part of a balanced diet and not as the only food source. Overfeeding worms can lead to health problems.

What kind of worms can turkeys eat?

mealworms

There are several different types of worms that turkeys can eat. Some common ones include earthworms, mealworms, and waxworms. Each worm type has its benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the right one for your turkey is important.

Earthworms

Earthworms are a good source of protein and fat for turkeys. They are also high in moisture, which can help keep your turkey hydrated. However, earthworms are also high in iron, which can harm turkeys if they eat too many of them. It is important to monitor your turkey’s intake of earthworms and make sure they are not eating too many.

Mealworms

Mealworms are a good source of protein and fat for turkeys. They are also high in calcium, which is important for bone health. You should give mealworms as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Waxworms

Waxworms are also a good source of protein and fat for turkeys. They are also a good source of calcium. However, you should only give them to turkeys as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Read More: Do Turkeys Eat Meat? 3 Awesome Benefits

Can turkey poults eat worms?

Turkey poults can eat worms, but they should only be given as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Poults are still growing and need plenty of protein to help them develop properly. This is why it’s important only to give them worms in moderation.

Worms are a good source of protein for turkey poults. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. However, there are a few things to remember when feeding worms to turkey poults.

First, ensure the worms are small enough for the poults to eat. Second, only give the poults a few worms at a time. Too many worms can cause digestive upset. Finally, make sure the worms are fresh. Spoiled worms can make the poults sick.

Do turkeys eat worms – final thoughts

Yes, turkeys can eat worms as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Worms provide many benefits for turkeys, including extra protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

However, there are a few things to watch out for when feeding worms to turkeys, such as making sure the worms are not too big for the turkey to eat and avoiding feeding spoiled or rotten worms to your turkey.

As long as you keep these things in mind, feeding worms to your turkey can be a great way to help them stay healthy and happy.

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Jill Taylor Happy Farmyard

Jill Taylor

Jill is a full-time homesteader who enjoys learning about sustainable living and practicing self-reliance. She'll most likely be found tending to her many animals including chickens, ducks, goats, and alpacas. You find out more about her on LinkedIn.