Do you need to worm if no signs are present?

[Feathers n Fur]

I have 13 girls and 1 roo. 7 girls are 1yr old and the rest are 3 months old. I have never seen evidence of worms in their stool and they are all of healthy weight. They do not free range (too many evils out in my area - bear, ferral cats, skunks, fox, coyote...) but have access to a huge run.

I have never wormed before. Should I be doing this regularly? If so what is suggested. If not do I do it when evidence is present in poop?

Thanks for your advice.

 

[SassyKat6181]

I'm not sure about others, but I've never wormed my girls. Going on three years now and all seem healthy and vibrant.

 

[OldGuy43]

I wouldn't/don't. As I understand it worming is poisoning. Why would you want to take the chance?

I've always said that reading BYC can cause poultry keepers to become paranoid. Remember, there are over 200,000 members, and most only post when they have an unusual problem.

 

[humphrey farms]

I wouldn't worm unless its needed! First, its a poison. Two, you cant eat any eggs for 2 wks from your laying hens. If they look and act healthy they probably are!

 

[Feathers n Fur]

Thank you, thank you. There are so many vaccines you get for your dogs and that is the only other pet I've owned (ok, fish and hamsters do not count since you don't vaccinate them) and since chickens are new to me I am not 100% on what I need to do.


Again, thanks for your advice/opinions

 

[dawg53]

Take a fecal sample to any vet and have them look at it under a microscope, shouldnt cost much. Chickens are more susceptable at picking up worm oocysts from the soil and eating infected insects than dogs or cats.

 

[Feathers n Fur]

dawg53 - nbever thought of that. I have to pick up heartworm from the vet for my dogs in a week or two so maybe I'll call ahead to see if they'll test a sample from one of my chickens. If nothing present I will leave well enough alone.

 

[bobbi-j]

I wouldn't worry about it. I've had chickens for many years and never wormed. Mine are free-range, though, and that may make a difference. If they started showing signs of heavy infestation, then I'd do something about it.

 

[roostersandhens]

I wouldn't worm unless its needed! First, its a poison. Two, you cant eat any eggs for 2 wks from your laying hens. If they look and act healthy they probably are!

It's poisin?????? Wow maybe I should stop worming reguarly, they do have worms at the moment but once they're gone bye bye deworming!

 

[dawg53]

Quote: Dont deworm them, then you can say bye bye to your chickens... internal damage and a slow death.