how many of you worm?

[smarsh]

I have never wormed. do I need to and do you ahve to toss the eggs for awhile?

 

[HEChicken]

I don't plan to until I see signs that I need to. I figure why dump a pesticide into them if its not necessary?

 

[chookchick]

oops crossed in cyber space I guess!

 

[chookchick]

My feelings about worming have changed somewhat. I used to be quite adamant that no one should worm on a regular schedule. Then I read a post here were someone said that most newbies were against worming, then when they had chickens on the same plot of land for a year or two, they started to have problems and eventually needed to worm. I can see how a regular schedule would be helpful as you can worm in the fall when they have quit laying, and not toss so many eggs. That way they hopefully would not have time in between wormings to build up a large load. My feelings now are that if your hens are very healthy, good weight, laying well, etc... I would not worry about worming. If you have any worries that they have worms, examine their poo very closely, and get a fecal float done so you know what you are dealing with. Once you have wormed once, you can put them on a regular schedule if that is comfortable for you--it really is your own opinion about how to proceed.

Here is a great thread about worming:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=222384

 

[BarnsB]

I havn't used chemical wormers yet. I use Diatomaceous Earth (DE) ONLY the "food grade" kind & mix it with their feed as a part of their regular diet. DE is just fossilized diatoms that are crushed up into a fine powder. Supposedly the microscopic edges of these diatoms are razor sharp to bugs & worms & when they come into contact with the DE they get cut up and as a result become dessicated.

The Organic folks mostly tell me this works; however, I do keep an eye on poop just in case I see signs of worms. (It seems there are some people who do not believe DE is effective) So far no visable signs of worms & mine free range. Although, I suppose you would have to be infested with worms to actually see them... If you wanted to be positive you could have a vet do a fecal exam. If you can sample several fresh poos from the flock 2x a year this would probably be the most foolproof method; but I'm not sure it is necessary.

I personally don't want to use pestacides unnecessarily. And NO you can NOT consume eggs after using a wormer for at least ten days...I'd double check wormer instructions just in case it's longer; but this is the general rule. I figure the fewer poisionous chemicals I feed my flock the better! But if you have worms then you best choose the lesser of two evils & worm.

I also use DE on the floor of my coop & in spring make a paste & paint the walls & perches. A good dusting seems to keep odor away, painting walls & perches kills mites, keeps flies & bugs to a minimum in the coop, & generally keeps things drier. You definately do not want to breath in the dust, so wear a mask! Also If you are using your old bedding (shavings or straw) as compost then be aware that too much DE...And I can't tell you what that amount is...will kill beneficial bugs, bees & worms too. So if it goes in the garden... I could be bad... not for you, but for all the bugs & worms that make your soil really rich & healthy. If anyone has any more information or experience on using DE in the garden compost I'd love to have your input. Otherwise, thus far I'm big fan of DE as a wormer & general pest preventative.

 

[gritsar]

I worm once a year. Parasites are very prevelant around here.

 

[kathyinmo]

twice a year .... spring and fall.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

Not the chickens, but I have wormed the horses

 

[greenpeeps]

I don't worm. The most I do is keep a lage box of ashes in the run for the birds to give themselves a dust bath with. Been working great.

 

[smarsh2]

I appreciate everyone's input. Not sure that I am convinced one way or another, but...