Sorry, about my repeat posts, I've got a few out there right now and I'm trying to get my info straight.
I have decided that I need to worm my chickens from numerous other posts I've read lately. They will soon be two, and I've never done it. I just want to explain some of the 'symptoms' I've noticed that have led me to this decision. I'm hoping that other more knowledgeable chicken people can either confirm or dispute the need.
This is what has been going on since last summer:
1) Lackluster feathers, and feather loss, with no sign of external parasites. A couple definitely went through a molt, but most have
missing/ poor feathering in areas.
2) Pale and dry combs/wattles.
3) Egg production drop. This started mid-summer, BEFORE the shorter days of fall/winter.
4) Poor weight, from what I can tell. I have Rhode Island's and Barred Rock's, and I just feel that both of these breeds should be just
a bit 'meatier' than my girls seem to be.
5) Sporadic diarrhea and loose stools.
Are these symptoms worthy of worming? There might be other issues with feed and management that I can work on, but I want to start this Spring with a clean slate to see if things improve.
I have decided that I need to worm my chickens from numerous other posts I've read lately. They will soon be two, and I've never done it. I just want to explain some of the 'symptoms' I've noticed that have led me to this decision. I'm hoping that other more knowledgeable chicken people can either confirm or dispute the need.
This is what has been going on since last summer:
1) Lackluster feathers, and feather loss, with no sign of external parasites. A couple definitely went through a molt, but most have
missing/ poor feathering in areas.
2) Pale and dry combs/wattles.
3) Egg production drop. This started mid-summer, BEFORE the shorter days of fall/winter.
4) Poor weight, from what I can tell. I have Rhode Island's and Barred Rock's, and I just feel that both of these breeds should be just
a bit 'meatier' than my girls seem to be.
5) Sporadic diarrhea and loose stools.
Are these symptoms worthy of worming? There might be other issues with feed and management that I can work on, but I want to start this Spring with a clean slate to see if things improve.