How do you deworm a chicken and how often is one suppose to do that?

[coach723]

I was just reading about this on Fresh Eggs Daily and read that wazine specifically states "do not use on chickens producing eggs for human consumption". The withdrawal period they recommend seems only to be applicable to chickens used for meat. Is this the same for all de-wormer?

http://fresheggsdaily.com/2012/04/pumpkin-soup-nasturtiums-natural.html

Here is a link with more info: http://www.chickenwhisperermagazine...-protect-human-health-and-avoid-drug-residues
Basically most OTC wormers are used off label in chickens because there have been no studies to determine what, if any, effect there is on the eggs, so none are approved for chickens or labeled with withdrawl times. The generally accepted rule is to not use eggs for 14 days after treatment (and I cannot honestly point you to literature where that came from), which is what most people do. I have not personally heard of anyone having a health issue, but that's just me. I also know that some people ignore the withdrawl and continue to eat and use eggs. So, if you have a vet, I would follow their recommendation, if you do not, I would educate yourself as best you can on the medication you decide to use so you are comfortable, whatever you decide. I use Valbazen, Safeguard, and Zimecterin, and following the above recommendations, have not had any issues. Albendazole, the drug in Valbazen, is also used in humans.

 

[jennifer0224]

I have used Ivermectin in the past and did a withdrawal of 30 days, but still didn't feel all that comfortable with it. For the last couple of years I've just been adding apple cider vinegar to their water year around, and giving them occasional treats of garlic, pumpkin seeds, etc. I don't know :-/

 

[coach723]

I have used Ivermectin in the past and did a withdrawal of 30 days, but still didn't feel all that comfortable with it. For the last couple of years I've just been adding apple cider vinegar to their water year around, and giving them occasional treats of garlic, pumpkin seeds, etc. I don't know :-/

Have you ever had a fecal float test done to determine if your birds were actually carrying worms? Those things you mentioned as 'natural deworming', in my humble opinion, are not effective for an actual parasite infection. They are fine as preventative and general health boosters, but will not effectively treat a bird with a parasite load. So if your environment does not carry much of a parasite load they may work fine for you. If you are actually dealing with parasite loads in your birds then you will likely have to resort to chemical wormers, or have sick birds. That's my experience, I have to treat for roundworms regularly in my flock. I know there are others who can worm much less frequently than I have to, and some say never, I don't think there is one right answer as every flock and every environment is different. If you can find a vet that will do a fecal test for you, that will answer the question if you need to worm or not. You can also do a mail in test if you don't have a vet that will do one for chickens.

 

[jennifer0224]

I have, about 9 months ago actually, because a bird was not acting well, it was negative. I've also taken a couple of birds over the years in for necropsies and there was never a mention of finding worms. I've never seen anything that looked like a worm when butchering either. But thank you for the idea on the mail in, that seems convenient and something I'd like to do on a regular basis, just to check.

And I do agree, I never assumed apple cider vinegar would treat an infestation, just act as a preventative.

 

[coach723]

Here is one: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/perfect-pet-products-fecal-worm-test-at-home
That is what I would do, since you haven't actually had a problem up to now. If you check periodically, then you can treat if it becomes necessary.

 

[MrsM74]

how and why would chickens get worms, and what is the best form of prevention? thanks

I imagine they must ingest them somehow, but I am not sure. Ask me how a horse gets worms or a dog or a cat, I can answer that . I imagine it is similar with a chicken. I have never wormed my year old hens but recently took a fecal in to have them tested for worms or cocci. Thankfully the results were negative for both. I feed my hens whole, raw pumpkins and squash about once a month - supposedly it helps prevent worms. Take it with a grain of salt.