1st time deworming: Safeguard pellets?

[GoodGuinea]

Hi. I've got a small flock of 7 hens, ages from 10 months to 2 years old. Generally healthy, though one is just coming out of a molt.

I'm seeing quite a few poopy bums & poopy eggs lately, so I suspect worms. I haven't seen any actual worms though, so I'm not 100% sure. I haven't been spending a lot of time with them during these cold months, but their behavior seems normal from what I can tell.

My husband went to TSC for dewormer, & the only kind they had was Safeguard Fenbendazole pellets. My initial internet research turned up controversial results. Some folks say absolutely not, & others say it works fine (but never mention the dose they give).

Just wondering what current thoughts are on this.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Worms don't cause poopy eggs, contrary to popular belief. It also, under normal conditions, does not cause off behavior.

Check bumm feathers and clean up if needed. There are usually a few ladies that need it every year. Poopy feathers caused by a lazy hen or SOMETIMES mites or lice eggs collecting the poop have been more prevalent culprits of poopy eggs in my experience..

Round worms and tape worms are the only type that can be visibly seen in droppings and even then only under heavy load. All others are not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope. Here is a drug residue in egg link for comparison and egg withdrawal times..

http://www.farad.org/publications/digests/122015EggResidue.pdf

Some worming drugs cause feather issues if used during the feather regrowth stage. So waiting until molt is complete MAY be preferred.

First suggestion is clean up all the poopy bumms and do so once or twice per year and see what happens from there.. while you're completing your worming research. And use a flashlight or headlamp and check for mites or lice after dark.. with feathers parted to the skin below the vent and on the abdomen.. and angry red skin or crawlies running away or dried "mud" clump looking egg sack on the feather bases.

Some dosing info..

https://the-chicken-chick.com/control-treatment-of-worms-in-chickens/

Good general info..
https://extension.psu.edu/deworming-backyard-poultry

The only controversy to me is if the eggs are going to another family.