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You are here » Home » The Accidental Smallholder Forum » Livestock » Poultry & Waterfowl » Feather pecking and eating
the mealworm ban is an unintended consequence of two bits of poorly drafted legislation intersecting, and is likely to be sorted in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, if you grow your own mealworms (a mealworm farm is very cheap and easy to set up and maintain) they are fine - you control what they eat, and your chickens will be consuming them fresh not dried. It's a much more sustainable source of protein to boot
Feather eating can certainly be a sign of protein deficiency, but as they are on a good brand of layers pellets this shouldn't really be an issue. If you want to give them an extra boost you could try feeding them turkey grower or breeder pellets for a while as these will contain a higher level of protein. Cut out the porridge as they may be filling up on that and not taking in enough of their pellets. Any "treats" should be fed at the end of the day after the birds have had their ration of pellet, but really should only be things like a little grain or windfall apples and nothing that has passed through your kitchen.They are also probably a bit bored during their lockdown so anything you can hang in their pen to entertain them may help to distract them.
I had no idea at all that they were illegal in the UK. How do you know that? Are you sure?I just got some from Chubby Mealworms fro my hens and they even do some for human consumptionhttps://www.chubbymealworms.co.uk/products/40g-of-salt-vinegar-flavour-edible-mealworms-for-human-consumption?_pos=174&_sid=4f16ea0bf&_ss=r
I've asked Chubby Mealworms to respond
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