@rebrascora, how right you are.
I am in the position where due to our location I face dealing with a heavy parasite load. The previous owners of our hobby farm were Amish and strictly against using a parasite prevention schedule on their livestock. We know for a fact that he had close to 10,000 dollars worth of livestock deaths , more than likely due to parasites. We know for certain that his sheep were heavily infested with coccidia and other parasites due to the fact that we had sheep that we had gotten from him, one died and was necropsyed and the vet told me personally what had killed it. Fatal parasite load.
Our dogs are also bothered by parasites and have to be treated for tape worms regularly. They only had this problem start when we moved here.
I have noticed loose stools in my birds which stop after treatment for coccidia. They also begin to fatten up after worming. I've never had a float test done but I've gathered the equipment needed to do my own and will probably give it a try just out of curiosity.
I would say you are pretty darned lucky if you have never had to treat for worms.
As for stress caused by medications, yep. For every action there is an equal reaction. I'm a retired nurse so yep, been there, studied that. I'm on the other side of the fence where I agree with the poster who said that they treat aggressively any infection or infestation that happens in their Marek's exposed flock. I also treat aggressively with probiotics and vitamins and give the birds extra protein regularly.
I seriously agree that what works well for one person may not work for the other. If I lived in an area that wasn't known for possessing a heavy load of parasites I would probably embrace the route you are traveling. Unfortunately, in our part of Missouri, everything stings, bites, gives you a rash or gives you the worms. LOL.
@Hamiam Good news that your hen is improving. I would still keep a close eye on them.
@chickengr My first birds to die never showed symptoms of Marek's Disease. One died of an infection that never responded to treatment. One died of seizures and two died of heart problems. They were all four exposed to Marek's disease. Chickens can survive the initial infection of Marek's but the infection leaves them with a damaged immune system that will make them susceptible to future infections, internal tumors and parasite infestations. The tumors can occure anywhere from heart to brain to everywhere from one end to the other. It can cause the 'grey eye' that you see in your rooster. I urge you to read Nambroth's excellent thread. It will answer all your questions and then some.
The Great Big Giant Marek's Disease FAQ Thread.
I am in the position where due to our location I face dealing with a heavy parasite load. The previous owners of our hobby farm were Amish and strictly against using a parasite prevention schedule on their livestock. We know for a fact that he had close to 10,000 dollars worth of livestock deaths , more than likely due to parasites. We know for certain that his sheep were heavily infested with coccidia and other parasites due to the fact that we had sheep that we had gotten from him, one died and was necropsyed and the vet told me personally what had killed it. Fatal parasite load.
Our dogs are also bothered by parasites and have to be treated for tape worms regularly. They only had this problem start when we moved here.
I have noticed loose stools in my birds which stop after treatment for coccidia. They also begin to fatten up after worming. I've never had a float test done but I've gathered the equipment needed to do my own and will probably give it a try just out of curiosity.
I would say you are pretty darned lucky if you have never had to treat for worms.
As for stress caused by medications, yep. For every action there is an equal reaction. I'm a retired nurse so yep, been there, studied that. I'm on the other side of the fence where I agree with the poster who said that they treat aggressively any infection or infestation that happens in their Marek's exposed flock. I also treat aggressively with probiotics and vitamins and give the birds extra protein regularly.
I seriously agree that what works well for one person may not work for the other. If I lived in an area that wasn't known for possessing a heavy load of parasites I would probably embrace the route you are traveling. Unfortunately, in our part of Missouri, everything stings, bites, gives you a rash or gives you the worms. LOL.
@Hamiam Good news that your hen is improving. I would still keep a close eye on them.
@chickengr My first birds to die never showed symptoms of Marek's Disease. One died of an infection that never responded to treatment. One died of seizures and two died of heart problems. They were all four exposed to Marek's disease. Chickens can survive the initial infection of Marek's but the infection leaves them with a damaged immune system that will make them susceptible to future infections, internal tumors and parasite infestations. The tumors can occure anywhere from heart to brain to everywhere from one end to the other. It can cause the 'grey eye' that you see in your rooster. I urge you to read Nambroth's excellent thread. It will answer all your questions and then some.
The Great Big Giant Marek's Disease FAQ Thread.
