Mites and worms?

Our chickens are 20weeks old and was told we needed to worm them and treat for mites. They aren't showing any signs of either but is it common practice to go ahead and do it anyway? Will we still be able to consume their eggs? How often do you do this? And what do you recommend using?

Thank you!

I don't like medicating unless they have worms. Tape worms have been a little more difficult to eliminate than round worms in my case. I'm not one to hesitate to use chemicals or drugs when it's the most effective and the fastest. But, I don't believe in treating a situation if it doesn't exist. Not to mention you must wait at least 14 days before eating the eggs.

An exception is heartworms in dogs. In this part of the world it is important to have them on a preventative.

As for mites, a proactive approach in the coop and bedding is best. If you handle and check your birds on a regular basis, you will quickly find out whether or not you have mites. You may apply Malaban liquid in the coop, making sure to get in the cracks and crevices. The active ingredient in Malaban is maldison and it can be purchased in powder form and applied on your birds directly.

I have a restricted use pesticide license and I hate to encourage anyone to use a product in a way not listed on the labeling. I have friends who raise large numbers of game chickens. They swab their chickens with the liquid Malaban with no noticeable negative effects. Malaban has been approved for use on cats and dogs and has not been tested on chickens.

Thank you, I feel the same way... Why try to fix what isn't broken to begin with. Mites I believe would be easy for our chickens to get considering we have what feels like a million birds that stay in our tree in the backyard year around. I'm not even sure how to check for them or what to look for. Can this malaban be found at our local tractor supply or rural King or wondering if feed stores would be where we would find it. How often do you apply? Every time we chance bedding?