The Incident: The Forbidden Feast
The sun was shining, the dirt was soft, and the morning worm hunt was in full swing. I, Cluck Kent, am a certified Worm Whisperer—able to detect the slightest squirm beneath the soil.
That’s when I saw it.
A plump, wiggly, absolutely irresistible worm, stretching out near the fence line. My beak twitched in anticipation. I didn’t think, I didn’t hesitate—I lunged! Victory! I had secured my prize.
But just as I tossed back my delicious catch, I heard The Voice.
“Oh no, Cluck Kent! Not from there!”
I froze mid-chew. Uh-oh.
The Lesson: What’s the Big Deal?
Turns out, my prized worm came from a high-risk zone. That little patch of dirt was a favorite hangout for wild birds—aka the potential carriers of very bad things like parasites, bacteria, and even avian flu.
Mom explained that while worms themselves are chicken-approved delicacies, ones from areas where wild birds poop (ew) could be contaminated. And guess what? Eating infected bugs could lead to crop issues, internal parasites, or worse.
Yikes. That worm didn’t taste so good anymore.
The Fix: Super-Chicken Solutions
Mom sprang into action like my sidekick (it’s about time). She:
✅ Moved our free-range zone away from the wild bird buffet.
✅ Covered areas near the fence with mulch to deter digging in high-risk dirt.
✅ Kept an eye on us for any signs of trouble (like weird poops or tummy troubles).
✅ Made sure we had plenty of safe foraging spots full of pre-approved juicy treats.
Now, I still get my worms—but only from the good dirt. I may be a superhero, but even I need a little quality control.
Moral of the Story
Not all worms are created equal, and where you snack matters! A little caution keeps the flock happy, healthy, and free from unwanted microscopic hitchhikers.
Until next time—stay clucky, stay clean, and snack wisely! 🦸♂️🐔
