Deworming?

[CoopsNPoops]

Is deworming something i should be doing on a scheduled basis, or as a preventive, rather than only doing so as a treatment of an infestation? My chickens are 14 months old, free range, and have never been wormed. They've never had worms, but do i need to be taking preventative measures to prevent them?

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

I’ve had chickens for 10 years, and have never had to worm them. I plan on only worming them if I suspect worms.

 

[CoopsNPoops]

I’ve had chickens for 10 years, and have never had to worm them. I plan on only worming them if I suspect worms.

Ok, thank you. I guess deworming never crossed my mind so i didnt know if its something i should be doing.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

I also do not deworm at all unless there's an issue. I do regular fecal exams though, to be sure they haven't picked up any bad parasites. I start chicks with medicated starter, but that's about all I have ever had to do. For what it's worth, I'm a veterinary parasitologist.