Eating Eggs When Hens are Ill

[Farmer Gab]

I know my hens have some sort of parasite. I am not sure what kind, but the feed store told me today that the eggs can carry the parasites internally. Is this true? We have been eating them for months...

I tried to find out what was going on with my hens' droppings and tried to medicate, but I have been unsuccesful and I am now very frustrated. I am going to start all over. I have 17 chickens who are great layers, but I can't battle the parasites anymore. My mistake was that I had a really healthy flock and I adopted some unwanted chickens without checking on their health and now everyone is sick. So I am going to try to give them away to someone who wants to take them on - droppings and all. In the meantime, should we cease eating the eggs? Their droppings are varied:

yellow and foamy
extremely watery
very noxious smelling

Anyway, my main question is about the egg consumption with unknown parasites...

Thanks,

Gabrielle

 

[jimnjay]

It is my understanding that most parasites are species specific. I know that certain worms can actually spead other types of worms to the chickens. I am unaware of any situation where people can get parasites from chicken eggs especiall if they are cooked. I would think twice before using the raw until you get the problem under control.

A fecal float test at you vet does not cost alot and it may help you figure out what you are treating for. The appropriate medication will help both you and your birds, otherwise it is a stab in the dark.

 

[ginasmarans]

I can't answer your question on whether you should eat the eggs. Do you mean they have worms? If I knew for sure, I probably would not eat them,but don't chuck them out, just get rid of the worms. Take a fecal sample to the vet and find out what you are dealing with,get the correct product and use it properly. I worm mine twice/year and feed them D.E. throughout,which helps keep the infestation down. I also feed raw pumpkin when I can. Yo uwill have to chunk the eggs for a couple of weeks, but it should be worth it.