Do they have worms?

[crawfordmama]

I'm not sure if my flock has a worm issue or not. I clean my roost and poop board every day and inspect poop for any evidence of worms. So far no worms or what appear to be eggs. I also clean the coop and run regularly. They free range for a couple hours on most days.

I have BSLs and EEs, all are about 10 months old. One of my EEs is plump, and the other has always been a bit on the small side. I can feel her keel when I pick her up. My BSLs feel light for their size, and I've noticed that their weight tends to fluctuate. One of them has always been very light (lighter than my smallest EE). Her keel protrudes and her neck is very long and thin. Another always has loose poop, and it appears greasy. I'm familier with the chicken poop chart, but I'm not sure it's normal for her to poop this way every day (it gets very gross). Also, this week I noticed there seems to be light swelling around their eyes. At first I thought it might be because of the fluctuating temperatures or dust in the coop.

This winter I began adding Calf Manna to their feed which seemed to help with their weight. They eat well and always have access to fresh water. They also lay regularly.

So, what do you think? Might they have worms? I'd love to hear your opinions, because I don't want to worm them unless I'm sure they have a problem.

Thank you!

 

[schellie69]

I worm mine once a year since most times unless you have a really heavy infestation like I did last year you will never see worms they stay in the chicken. Since mine eat bugs and free range I figure they are eating other bugs that carries worms so then they will also have worms. But you could have your vet do a fecal test. Good luck maybe someone with more experience will post.

 

[dawg53]

I agree with schellie69, take a poop sample to a vet and have them look at it, shouldnt cost much at all. They use a microscope to look for worm oocysts (eggs.)

 

[little_grey_bantam]

How to you check to make sure YOU don't have worms????

I like to pretend my chickens are 100% clean (I know they're not, but in my mind...) LOL I just worm them to worm them... but it makes me wonder, what if I HAVE their worms?!

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
Ever watch "Monsters Inside Me," on Animal Planet? Check it out online....type in the title and google it...have fun!

 

[crawfordmama]

Quote:
Ever watch "Monsters Inside Me," on Animal Planet? Check it out online....type in the title and google it...have fun!

OMG, Monsters Inside Me is so gnarly! I watched it once and learned my lesson.

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate it!