We have 2 buff orpingtons in our backyard. They are 8 months old. They have a 4 x 20 foot run, and some days we move them around in a tractor. Their coop is 4 x 4 (the inside part) and I clean out their poop from their inside coop about every 2nd or 3rd day. For the past few weeks I have notice spherical translucent white balls about the size of a poppy seed clinging to the surface of their poop. Some days I only see a few of these, some days I see alot (a dozen on a large poop). Is that parasite eggs? I've bought some Diatemacious Earth (sp?) and am mixing about a teaspoon full into some warm oatmeal each morning, which they share - been doign that for a few days. How long before I should see the eggs go away? Also, I used to throw their poop and shavings into my garden, but I am afraid to now. I've been collecting it in plastic bags and throwing it in the garbage. I don't want to have any parasites on our lettuce come spring! But I'm bummed - I want to use the chicken poop on the garden. when can I be sure it is safe? Thanks for your help!
Sounds like Tapeworms. DE should work. You will want to deworm again 2 weeks later. Do to their life cycles. If that does not work check hatchery /supply sites they should have something else. Good luck.
You can get what you need, Valbazen, at the feed store or TSC. DE ain't gonna get them. http://healthybirds.umd.edu/Disease/Deworming Birds.pdf https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=203048&p=2 https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=203048&p=2 The dose, etc. is on one of those threads, maybe both. I'd sait a few days before I put the poop on my garden, but yes, you can.
Quote:X2. DE only works if it is dry. The inside of a chicken is not dry. DE is useless in this case. I'd recommend getting a de-wormer. Tapeworm eggs can live up to 15 months in the environment. These are not directly infective to humans. They must pass through a couple stages before they can infect humans. The most common way humans can get tapeworms is by ingesting fleas, which host the eggs until they reach the proper life stage to infect humans. In other words, don't lick your chickens (or cats or dogs) and you can probably avoid them being a problem for you. You can still use the poop as compost.
