Do you worm chicks? Protocol?

[harewizard]

Hi all,

I have a variety of chicks that are 6 weeks old today. They are: Black Sex Links, Black Australorps, RIR's, an EE, a Silver Laced Wyandote and a Buff Orpington. They were introduced to their new coop on Sunday and are feed medicated starter feed. Once per week, I'll treat them with a small bowl of some yogurt. They have been allowed to free range somewhat outside. Mostly to get fresh air and run around- they did peck at the dirt and I'm sure ate small bugs and such.. As of now, they do not have access to outside (until we get the run finished)

My question is: How young do you start worming? OR Do you worm when there is a concern? (worm presence/ sick/ thin/ not eating) Is there a worming protocol for chicks/poultry?

I'm familar with the alternatives, such as, Cayenne Pepper, DE, & ACV and also traditional wormers; Piperzine, Ivomectin, etc.

I have a flock of older (3 year old) hens, that I have never wormed in the 2 years I've owned them (I have no problems with them)
They have free ranged and eaten a ton of worms and grubs etc...

Just curious as to what your maintenance schedule/treatment looks like and your thoughts.

Thanks for reading,
Lisa

 

[Lollipop]

Can`t recall ever seeing any maintainance schedule for worming. I wouldn`t even start looking for worm symptoms until the chicks are at least 6 mos old. If you have a senior flock and don`t have any problems, don`t worry about it. Some folks do a worming once a year, some before breeding season, and some just when they see a reason. I`m in the last group.........Pop

 

[SarahFair]

Ive never wormed mine