jellykelly Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Because my beast of a chicken, caught one yesterday and ate it all without sharing with the others. It was a mighty big one too. I'm pretty sure that slow worms are a protected species - but who's going to tell my girls that?? I'm certainly not - The way she took on that worm, I don't like my chances!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 I would have thought it would have been fine. Whilst mine have never (to my knowledge) eaten a slow worm, they have eaten mice, frogs, toads, a vole, plus the regular slugs, snails and worms and they are all fine and healthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 Slow worms are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 from being killed, injured or sold etc. They are the gardeners friend.....and will be very happy in your compost bin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodcat Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 hey She'll be fine mine have eaten them before now I always try and rescue them but there isn't alot i can do if i'm not around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 They are the gardeners friend.....and will be very happy in your compost bin. Not in mine unless they eat rats? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
attenbhp Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I had a 'Benny Hill' moment with a slow-worm recently. Chicken clutching the slow-worm chasing round the garden at break-neck speed. Closely followed by all the other chickens who wanted in on the act. Closely followed by me, desperately wanting to rescue the slow-worm. The previous time this happened, the lead chicken swallowed the slow-worm whole - that was a sight to behold. This time, I nailed her and rescued the slow-worm. It was a bit pecked around the edges, but seemed OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I've done the Benny Hill chase as well! Our slow worms were introduced by a neighbour who brought 16 with him when he moved to Oxfordshire from Dorset. Over the last 20 years they have spread amazingly- even crossing roads ( not sure how...). They will be fine in a compost heap even with rats around as they tend to be at the bottom. Wonderful little creatures- although one new neighbour came to tell me about the dangerous snake she had seen in her garden! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted September 11, 2009 Author Share Posted September 11, 2009 I don't htink there's anyway I could have rescued the slow worm. No.1 They look to yukky to touch (I know, I know - it's the girls in me!) No.2 I too would have been involved in the 'Benny Hill' chase - and the chickens outnumber and out manouver me. No. 3 It was kind of interesting to watch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
