Can hens have worms without them showing up in the poo?

[chuckzoo]

My two hens are still not eating much. I now have them on Gamebird/Showbird starter grower which is 24% protein to try and beef them up a bit as they are thin.

They are acting normal. One is laying the other not - she has just gone through a minimolt.

I have examined their poo and can find no evidence of worms. Are there always eggs/ worms present?

 

[LaurelRidgeDreams]

Yes, all animals can.

 

[chookchick]

It is very likely that you would not see any worms, definitely not any eggs with the naked eye. That is why a fecal float, done by a vet, is a good idea--should tell you what you might have, and the best way to treat them. Usually animals with worms will eat MORE, as they are feeding the worms also. Have you switched them from a crumble to a pellet? Oftentimes they don't like the pellet as much. Any chance the feed could be stale?

 

[Kittymomma]

Chookchick nailed it, get a fecal float done so you know what is going on. I'd also go over them really good and look for lice and/or mites. Those will both run a chicken down too and can be hard to find--even harder when you have molting chickens.

I think you're on the right track with the gamebird feed (probably because that is what I use lol ) though I did notice that mine ate less gamebird than layer when I switched too. I think they just don't need as much of it because of the higher protien. Do you have oyter shell out for them? Gamebird doesn't have enough calcium in it for laying hens so you do need to supplement. What kind of chooks do you have? My sex links seem really skinny when compared with the Australorps, but that is just how they're made.

 

[chuckzoo]

I plan to have a fecal float done this week. I didn't really want to treat for worms if I din't have to.

My hens are BR 11 months old.

I've checked them over and they seem fine.

Yea, I've heard they eat more in the beginning and then eat less if they have worms.

Their dropping look just fine.

What do I need for the fecal flaot just some fresh samples I presume?

 

[Kittymomma]

Yes, just fresh samples. It's a good idea to take a few or at least get some from your poorest looking hen. I hope you're able to get it figured out and everybody starts putting weight back on and doing well.