Catalpa Worms as Chicken Feed: Safe for 6-Week-Old Buff Orpingtons

Twelve 6-week-old Buff Orpington chickens. Hundreds of catalpa worms (catalpa sphinx caterpillars) on trees. Can chickens eat them?

Answer

Yes. Birds eat these caterpillars naturally. Smaller caterpillars fine for young chickens; larger ones may be tough.

If local fishing bait shop exists, catalpa worms sell well as catfish bait—potential income.

Pests: Red & Black Worms on Lilies After Rain: Likely Lily Leaf Beetle Larvae; Lilac Trunk Borers: Organic Controls for Ontario Gardens; Identifying and Controlling Worms on an Indoor Dracaena Tree; Organic Solutions for Slugs and Caterpillars on Broccoli; Natural Control of Tomato Hornworms and Squash Pests; Saving Petunias from Aphids and Caterpillars: Early Intervention Is Key; Starting a Catalpa Worm Population on Your Trees; Caterpillars on Redbud and Bagworms on Cedar: Control Guide; Worms and Sticky Leaves on Hibiscus and Palm: Two Separate Problems; Identifying and Managing Soil Worms in Houseplants

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