Hi, welcome to BYC!
You can read a lot of stuff that isn't true and that is one of them, along with the great pumpkin seed myth, the DE wormer myth, and the cayenne pepper myth !
Your girls may be doing great, and I don't doubt that.
But just because you don't have symptoms doesn't mean cucumbers work as a natural dewormer. It could mean that the worms aren't prolific in your area. Or it could mean that you simply don't see signs, as most worms are not visible to the naked eye and ONLY round worms can be seen in droppings.If you want to know the truth... get yourself a fecal float done before and after "worming" your birds with cucumber. Cost is about $15 at my vet, just for reference. Many birds will have some worm load. And it doesn't become an issue if they have strong immune systems that keep them in check. It will be the weakest bird of the group that shows signs first.
Please note is 6 years, I haven't wormed yet... and yep all my birds SEEM fine. That doesn't mean I don't have worms.
I bought a microscope to do my own fecal floats since my flock is big and I have other animals. However, I will be paying to have it done at the vet.. so I can get an accurate professional count to compare mine with. And if I'm way off then I will have counts done at the vet to make sure that IF I do treat for worms I treat for the CORRECT worms.
Anyways, I don't mean to harsh you at all! Just trying to share the truth. Worming isn't some big get rich quick scheme that vets made up. Chemicals suck! But sometimes medications ARE needed in order to maintain health... or trust me I wouldn't take my diabetes meds.
Just imagine, your flock seems healthy and happy I'm sure and I believe they are... but what if they could ACTUALLY be even healthier and happier?! Plus when you do get your first float done, you might discover that indeed you don't need to worm. But I can promise you that is more about your environment than it is about cucumbers.
I hope you enjoy the BYC community! Most everybody here is awesome and caring. And even on subjects with great debate most will be respectful. We all have different experiences and environments, and what works for me might not work for you and vice versa. That's OK! We are all here to share our experiences and learn from each other.
I hope you realize I am being sincere when I say hog wash to cucumbers being an effective wormer and I have nothing to gain by telling you that. Don't believe everything you read!
