How to de worm pullets?

[Savannah Rose]

I have just bought two 11 week old Orpington pullets and they are my first chickens. I check their poop everyday which is easy because there are two of them. This night though they slept pretty near each other and I couldn't decide who's poo was who's. They occasionally have red in their poo (I heard that's normal to pass during the night and that is intestinal lining). I continue checking for that but while looking at their poo today I noticed a little clearish, thin, tiny worm like thing in on of the poos (only one and it wasn't moving). They aren't showing any other signs of illness that I have noticed. They also just started eating grass and other things around I their coop. Are worms common in young chickens like they are in puppies? Is it true you can't save your chickens from worms? Is deworming common and how do I do it?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Some people worm regularly. I never do. I wormed one once. A lot depends on your climate. I don't know where you are but if one lives in a warm wet climate, regular worming may be a good idea. With new chickens that age, it may not be a bad idea either.
Chickens won't have worms unless they forage and pick up some secondary host like beetles, worms, slugs, crickets, etc.. Healthy chickens can handle a light load of worms.
I would probably get a fecal sample read if you can find a vet to do so.
When I did it I used Ivermectin but there's a good discussion here.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/401475/worming-with-valbazen/60

ETA
On another note, if I were you I'd get more than 2 chickens right away. They're flock animals and need friends. Chickens die. If one were to die the other would be very lonely and it is much harder to add chickens to an established flock.
When you start getting delicious fresh eggs in your own backyard, you'll eat a lot more of them than you do now.
When they molt, you won't get any eggs. It is a bummer to do all the work it takes and still have to buy grocery store eggs.
It doesn't take any longer to care for 6 chickens as it does 2.

 

[Savannah Rose]

Very true! We do indeed plan to get more at the moment we just have the seller at the time only had two hens. Do you know where I can order Valbazen online or find it? Thank you very much

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Many of those farm and home type stores like tractor supply and rural king carry it. Probably a lot of feed stores too. What state or country are you in?

 

[Savannah Rose]

I live in northern AL Also should I still be on the look out for coccidiosis if they DON'T have any other symptoms of being lethargic, not eating or drinking, and have been on medicated chick feed? Thank you again

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they've been on medicated feed you probably have no worries. In fact, by 11 weeks you can take them off the medicated feed. Just keep the bedding very dry and feed in the feeders.

Are you near Sheffield or Muscle Shoals? I have several friends from that area.

 

[Savannah Rose]

I'm in Madison it's closer to Huntsville. Thank you for all your help I'll be keeping a close eye on them