Do you have to worm?

[OHhappychicks]

We have had our flock for almost 2 years now and I have never wormed them. Is that something that I should do? How do you know they have worms? Mine are very healthy and I give them organic ACV in their water almost everyday. I don't know if the vinegar if for worms or not, I just give it to them for their gut. I don't see any worms in their droppings. I just thought I would ask since I was reading about worming your chickens and it is something we haven't done.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Here's another thread that might help to answer your question while you're waiting for more replies: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=334288

 

[OHhappychicks]

Thank you The Chicken Lady.

It was very informative. Just like to see others opinions. I just read in my Storeys book on raising chickens, and it said not to worm unless you know they have them. I use DE in the coop, nest boxes and on their perch. Never have put it in their food though. I sprinkle it in their dusting holes too. I guess if i'm overly concerned, I should go have their droppings checked for worms, right!

 

[markb816]

What is "DE"???- What is the purpose of it? and how do you administer it?
What is "ACV"??= What is the purpose of it? and how do you administer it?
Sorry, new at the whole chicken experience. Just asking

 

[elmo]

Quote:
DE is diatomaceous earth. I use it as a deterrant to mites and other insects by sprinkling some on the bottom of nestboxes and in dustbaths. The important thing is to get the food grade not the kind that's used in pool filters. Other people use it in other ways, but I need to let them fill you in on that.

ACV is apple cider vinegar. Some people add it to their chickens' water to improve digestive health. There may be other reasons, but I don't know too much about it. I don't use it myself

Oh, and by the way...asking questions here is more than fine, it's downright encouraged! That's how we all learn. So please feel free to ask away!

 

[ams3651]

I have not and mine are 1 and 2 years old. I have seen no signs of worms so I dont worry about it. I do however give them pumpkins in the fall and read on here that pumpkin seeds were a natural wormer. And just to be sure its mentioned, with the ACV it needs to be with the "mother" and not filtered. I find it in the organics isle.

 

[speckledhen]

I did not worm one single bird until they were about 2 years old and only then because I saw a worm in one rooster's poop. I've had chickens over 4 years now and the entire flock has been wormed maybe four times.

Pumpkin seeds and buttermilk combo is a natural wormer, but it's more a preventative than a treatment for a heavy worm load. The curcurbit in the seeds paralyzes the worm so it can be expelled. Some follow up with a molasses flush to move those worms out quickly (laxative effect). Healthy chickens can carry small worm loads with no problems, though. If they begin to lose weight or generally look unthrifty, then you should think about worming them.