Do you need to worm if no signs are present?

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Wazine only works on round worms. For those of you who want to go with science the following post is loaded with science. Read all 19 pages.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/576036/necropsy-results-is-not-coryza-or-crd-parasites-are-rampant/140

Personally I go with the poop sample to the vet for a report if positive I worm with safeguard and 10 days later with valbazen. If negative I don't worm. I test twice a year.

Hooray for replicable results! I have absolutely nothing against any organic method, garlic, DE or other. But I like to see the science, since so many home remedies are just a waste of money. DE has been shown to affect only some internal parasites, and it slows down but does not eliminate externals. Hens do seem to do very well on it, however, so if you're willing to pay for it (it's expensive) it seems worth using. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21673156 I've seen nothing about garlic. What I have seen that might work is high doses of cinnamon oil, which seems to kill some flagellated parasites, but I can't find anything reputable on garlic. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12847923

 

[Toxic Chicken]

I use food grade DE. 1tbsp mixed in with 1lb of food. I get it from my pet chicken.
For external parasites I sprinkle it in
their dust bath holes and in the coop shavings. The good thing is DE is not poison so you can still eat the eggs.
I do this as a preventative measure. I'm going to take a poop sample to my vet along with my dogs. Only if they have parasites will I consider using a wormer That way I know I'm using the correct type of wormer for the type of worms they have.

 

[juststruttin]

I never used to worm and when the occasional chicken would die from unknown reasons I always send the body to UC Davis for a Necropsy and never, not even once did the bird come back positive for worms so I don't think worms are as prevalent as people assume. I did start worming my birds last year but not for worm. I was having a hard time controlling the mites so I decided to treat with ivermectin which protects against mites and most worms.

 

[LDev]

Hi guys,. I recently got 2 hens and am actually going to do a faecal egg count for any parasites next week....if there are no parasite eggs present , they are not getting wormed. I have a clean garden i.e never had livestock or chickens on it, they are also in a covered run, if they are clear now then that is how they will stay If they are healthy and show no signs of parasite infection (by checking via regular Faecal egg counts) then my advice is don't worm hope that helps

 

[LDev]

Spot on!

 

[LDev]

You need to test your chickens poo..every environment is different. I test twice a year since I eat my chickens and they free range. I have never added chemical wormers to my chickens. I change the environment and added natural herbs, seeds, and garlic. Retest to make sure they are clear.
Every animal has worms. We do too. Finding a balance that is healthy should be the goal. Worming your animals with chemicals makes super worms. It removes the weak ones and leaves the strong ones. They build a resistance and you end up changing worming chemicals, worming more often, never getting a healthy balance, and struggling to maintain healthy flocks.

Some offer Food Grade DE to chickens daily to keep parasites to a minimum. I have not use this, however if my methods did not work it ..it is something I would try. From what I have read, you offer it daily and in a few month, no more parasites.

One article for you to read..there are thousands to read


http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth.html

 

[LDev]

Not got the hang of replying to posts yet but Delisha is totally correct

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Not got the hang of replying to posts yet but Delisha is totally correct

Click on the quote button. Then a window will show where you can type under it...you have to put your cursor where you want it.

 

[LDev]

Click on the quote button. Then a window will show where you can type under it...you have to put your cursor where you want it.

Yay!! Thank you! I am a technophobe haha

 

[Fancychooklady]

It seems everyone has an opinion on this one. I think it will depend a lot on your circumstances , financial, geographical etc.... I know that it was a lot easier to maintain a dozen chickens than it is to keep 50 or more healthy and happy. I have always prescribed to Pat Coleby's way of thinking , and it has saved me from some massive vet bills with my horses & goats. She writes
" garlic contains natural sulphur and sometimes reduces the incidence of parasites. It is a natural antibiotic especially useful for intestinal disturbance ." That being said although I use garlic 3-4 times a year, if I see obvious signs of infestation I get out the big guns. Fenbendazole .
It really is a personal thing, if what you are doing makes your chickens happy , just do it!