How often should I check for worms?

[vonchick]

My flock got their second dose of Safegaurd 10 weeks ago, so when egg production dropped off, and then one of my best hens started losing weight and became lethargic, I didn't think to check for worms.
Then last night when I checked the failing hen, I could see she had passed large roundworms. I immediately treated her with Safeguard because it is what I have on hand. This morning there are worms in the fecies under the roosts of other hens. We're in north Florida and conditions have been ideal for parasites, but isn't 10 weeks after worming a short time in which to see an infestation? I have used Safeguard twice previously - should I not have used the same wormer for consecutive treatments?

 

[Michael Apple]

My flock got their second dose of Safegaurd 10 weeks ago, so when egg production dropped off, and then one of my best hens started losing weight and became lethargic, I didn't think to check for worms.
Then last night when I checked the failing hen, I could see she had passed large roundworms. I immediately treated her with Safeguard because it is what I have on hand. This morning there are worms in the fecies under the roosts of other hens. We're in north Florida and conditions have been ideal for parasites, but isn't 10 weeks after worming a short time in which to see an infestation? I have used Safeguard twice previously - should I not have used the same wormer for consecutive treatments?

10 weeks is enough time for worm eggs to be ingested and hatch in the intestinal tract. Fenbendazole is very effective on most all worms except tapes. Studies have shown resistance isn't common. It has a wide spectrum of safety. You can safely worm birds three days in a row for bad infestations then wait ten days and do it again for one day. A good change up wormer is Albendazole (Valbazen) which is dosed the same as Safeguard at 1/2 cc for LF and 1/4 cc for Bantams. It is a good idea to use vitamins-electrolytes and probiotics in waterers during treatment.

If possible try and keep them on dry range (I know that must be difficult in Florida), and avoid access earthworms/slugs/snails/darkling beetles if possible. River sand added to soil helps for drainage and keeping ground drier. Dawg lives in Florida and may have a certain worming regiment different than I would use being in California. I generally worm twice a year. If you suspect birds of being in pre-moult/moulting stage, it is best to avoid Fenbendazole/Albendazole. The single ingredient of Levamisole in Worminator (sold by Hake's Twin City) will not affect feather growth and can be dosed on a full crop.

 

[dawg53]

Due to all the rain and with our very warm soil, it is worm soup. My new birds are 22 weeks old and I have already done 3 sets of worming on them. Looks like we're in for another long rainy spell and I'll be worming them in probably 2-3 weeks.
Albendazole is safe to use during molt but I don't recommend worming during molt, unless it's absolutely necessary. Fenbendazole use during molt retards feather regrowth and feathers that do regrow are either ingrown or gnarly looking.

 

[chic05]

Can you worm them two days in a row??

 

[bradymars]

You can also use Ivermectin 1% .Use a dropper bottle and give one drop per pound ,it will get all worms except tapes,for tapes use Droncit.The ivermectin will also get rid of external parasites.1 dose of the ivermectin will stay in there system for 30 days.Hope this helps...

 

[chic05]

Thank you I'm in australia they gave me
aristopet wormer for poultry "

Im a soooo clean with these chooks it's not normal lol.. I'm in there morning and then at night cleaning the coup so to see these worms grossed me out!!

I'm guessing they already had them from the farm as I've only had them for about 6-8 weeks... They have just started laying! I may re worm them again tomorrow??? It says that we can still eat the eggs but I think I will still wait for a week.. Doe not say if it gets all the worm types though. Will have to look into it.