Best dewormer for hens laying eggs?

[SE Island Chickens]

I'm new to chickens. Two hens found us (thank goodness for BYC) two years ago and after one was taken by a hawk we added three chickens. The new chickens arrived vaccinated, healthy and in great shape. I just read the article from BYC ,"Advice for new chicken owners" and I've learned the chickens need to be dewormed periodically. I've read lots of posts from experienced chicken farmers and I'm at a loss as to how best to de-worm the chickens. Our oldest hen and two of the new hens are laying eggs.

Can someone out there help me figure out which deworming product is best?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Abriana]

@KikisGirls

 

[Shore]

I too am new to chickens & have 5 (3 which are laying). I didn't know you had to deworm periodically, so will be following your thread. I'm concerned because I saw what looked like small maggots in some droppings in the hen house. It's hot here in NC, so I didn't think much of it, but now think it might be something else!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! There's no reason to treat chickens for internal parasites unless there's actually a problem! You can have a fecal exam done at your veterinarian's, and then consult about it; anything found? If some parasite is found, is it a problem for the birds, or nothing to be concerned about? There's nearly nothing actually approved for use in laying hens, so giving them a drug that's off-label shouldn't be done without very good cause. In spite of what you my read here, DE DOES NOT kill internal parasites in the bird's gut! Mary

 

[Birdsong 82]

Welcome! There's no reason to treat chickens for internal parasites unless there's actually a problem! You can have a fecal exam done at your veterinarian's, and then consult about it; anything found? If some parasite is found, is it a problem for the birds, or nothing to be concerned about? There's nearly nothing actually approved for use in laying hens, so giving them a drug that's off-label shouldn't be done without very good cause. In spit of what you my read here, DE DOES NOT kill internal parasites in the bird's gut! Mary

I agree. I don't see a reason to deworm unless NEEDED. I have never had deworm my hens thankfully and don't beleive there is a dewormer for laying hens. There are small things you can do to help prevent. DE doesn't kill internal parasites once they are there but could help as a preventive method. Also ACV in the water every 2-4 weeks helps prevent but also doesn't rid of them once they are there. Plus ACV is really good for them

 

[Birdsong 82]

Clean the maggot poo and check new poo that same day of net morning. If poo looks normal and you see no bugs you should be good to go. I found maggots in hidden goat poo once and freaked but upon further inspection it was heat.

I too am new to chickens & have 5 (3 which are laying). I didn't know you had to deworm periodically, so will be following your thread. I'm concerned because I saw what looked like small maggots in some droppings in the hen house. It's hot here in NC, so I didn't think much of it, but now think it might be something else!

 

[SE Island Chickens]

Welcome! There's no reason to treat chickens for internal parasites unless there's actually a problem! You can have a fecal exam done at your veterinarian's, and then consult about it; anything found? If some parasite is found, is it a problem for the birds, or nothing to be concerned about? There's nearly nothing actually approved for use in laying hens, so giving them a drug that's off-label shouldn't be done without very good cause. In spite of what you my read here, DE DOES NOT kill internal parasites in the bird's gut! Mary

Thanks so much, Mary. The oldest hen hasn't been herself lately, egg production is down and I was wondering if there was something going on I was just to inexperienced to realize. I think it could have been a touch of sour crop. She's eating better anyway, We're on St. Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia and it's brutally hot here. i suppose that could be impacting here too. I've also been giving her yogurt which seems to be helping too. Someone has suggested Apple Cider Vinegar so I'll try to learn about that and give it a try. Thanks again. Robin

 

[SE Island Chickens]

I agree. I don't see a reason to deworm unless NEEDED. I have never had deworm my hens thankfully and don't beleive there is a dewormer for laying hens. There are small things you can do to help prevent. DE doesn't kill internal parasites once they are there but could help as a preventive method. Also ACV in the water every 2-4 weeks helps prevent but also doesn't rid of them once they are there. Plus ACV is really good for them

Thanks, Rachel. So just sprinkle DE around the enclosure? Fortunately we are able to allow the chickens to free range but they spend a lot of time hanging around the enclosure, which is quite large for the four of them. I'm still trying to decide what would be the best ground cover for the enclosure. I've read pine chips work well so I may give that a shot. Thanks so much for your advice. Robin

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @SE Island Chickens Welcome To BYC

X2 on having a fecal float test performed - it's best to have confirmation of a worm overload if at all possible.

You mention you believe your hen has sour crop? Here's a wonderful article that give you information on various crop issues and treatments:http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

 

[SE Island Chickens]

I too am new to chickens & have 5 (3 which are laying). I didn't know you had to deworm periodically, so will be following your thread. I'm concerned because I saw what looked like small maggots in some droppings in the hen house. It's hot here in NC, so I didn't think much of it, but now think it might be something else!

Well Rachel and Mary came to our rescue. That was nice of them!. I'm gonna do a little research and see how much apple cider vinegar per gallon and start doing that every few weeks. The diatomaceous earth sounds like a good idea too. If you decide to try the DE be sure to get food grade.