NY chicken lover!!!!

[tao chick]

Gramma, Rancher, and I think others here have mentioned their preventative and treatment for parasites. If you could rewrite your schedule and course I would appreciate it. I'm considering Ivermectin and other dewormers as well as preventative courses for my flock before winter strikes. I use DE and Lime in the coop bedding to control external parasites. If I put DE in their food does that prevent internal parasites? So much information and I'm trying to understand it all. My chickens do not have any symptoms.

 

[Beer can]

Update Pyxis??

 

[tao chick]

Update Pyxis??

x2 We'll need daily or more frequent updates on those two little fighters.

 

[Beer can]

Gramma, Rancher, and I think others here have mentioned their preventative and treatment for parasites. If you could rewrite your schedule and course I would appreciate it. I'm considering Ivermectin and other dewormers as well as preventative courses for my flock before winter strikes. I use DE and Lime in the coop bedding to control external parasites. If I put DE in their food does that prevent internal parasites? So much information and I'm trying to understand it all. My chickens do not have any symptoms.

Do the research, there is many conflicting 'facts and opinions' on all this, and yes conflicting 'facts'.

Personally I use none of the above and have noticed no critters on my chickens, just processed some and no bugs. I do use deep litter and have a bed of wood ash for dust baths, maybe the two help.
I have never heard of worming chickens until BYC and have had no problems. My father raised chickens all while we grew up, never wormed or used DE, and no sick chickens.
From what I've read DE is bad for the good of deep litter...?

Do the research, don't use my opinion on what works for me if you are uncomfortable with it, there are many advocates that swear by this or that. Some have proof DE works, some disprove it's effectiveness. Do the research and what's best for you.

 

[Beer can]

They say giants grow their massive frame first put on meat later. I believe it. He is much bigger than the sussex and weighs a pound more. Twice the size of the sussex pullets and only two pounds more. 18 weeks.

 

[shodack]

Do the research, there is many conflicting 'facts and opinions' on all this, and yes conflicting 'facts'.

Personally I use none of the above and have noticed no critters on my chickens, just processed some and no bugs. I do use deep litter and have a bed of wood ash for dust baths, maybe the two help.
I have never heard of worming chickens until BYC and have had no problems. My father raised chickens all while we grew up, never wormed or used DE, and no sick chickens.
From what I've read DE is bad for the good of deep litter...?

Do the research, don't use my opinion on what works for me if you are uncomfortable with it, there are many advocates that swear by this or that. Some have proof DE works, some disprove it's effectiveness. Do the research and what's best for you.  

Yes, DE isn't good in a deep litter situation, kills all the good buggies you want crawling around in there. Spot treating a chicken or having it mixed into a sand bath in a semi separated area would be okay. But rot and fungal issues would set in if it was mixed into DL, and no more nice composting action.

 

[rancher hicks]

Do the research, there is many conflicting 'facts and opinions' on all this, and yes conflicting 'facts'.

Personally I use none of the above and have noticed no critters on my chickens, just processed some and no bugs. I do use deep litter and have a bed of wood ash for dust baths, maybe the two help.
I have never heard of worming chickens until BYC and have had no problems. My father raised chickens all while we grew up, never wormed or used DE, and no sick chickens.
From what I've read DE is bad for the good of deep litter...?

Do the research, don't use my opinion on what works for me if you are uncomfortable with it, there are many advocates that swear by this or that. Some have proof DE works, some disprove it's effectiveness. Do the research and what's best for you.

Boy ain't that the truth?

Anyhow, since it was asked.

I use DE when cleaning my coop. I dust all the wet spots if any and the roost bars. I also dust into the next boxes when cleaning them and toss some on top of the hay/straw/shavings. I know some say it doesn't work but I can afford it and what does it hurt. I've not seen any cooties. Also a good rub of vaseline or bag balm on the legs and feet can't hurt. Cooties some out at night so I've read and like dark damp places. You can buy DE at some feed mills or order it in a 40-50# bag.

As for the Ivermectin I use the liquid pour on stuff. A bit expensive but it lasts in the fridge. I use an eye dropper and wear a headlamp. I go into the dark coop and go down the line putting it between their shoulder blades.




Now Iv'e seen this advertisement in BY poultry mag and intend to try it. "Zyfend A." It's a wormer and not to expensive. I refuse to use anything that requires me to toss eggs for weeks as I don't get many and can't afford to do so.

As Beer stated there are different opinions about these matter but I say do whatever lets you sleep at night. Not everything works for everyone and their situation, so I only offer my system as a suggestion. Of course I've never seen cooties nor piles of worms so take it for what it's worth.

As always remember "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

I wish you well,

Rancher

 

[boskelli1571]

Gramma, Rancher, and I think others here have mentioned their preventative and treatment for parasites. If you could rewrite your schedule and course I would appreciate it. I'm considering Ivermectin and other dewormers as well as preventative courses for my flock before winter strikes. I use DE and Lime in the coop bedding to control external parasites. If I put DE in their food does that prevent internal parasites? So much information and I'm trying to understand it all. My chickens do not have any symptoms.

I do not treat unless there are symptoms or I see bugs. Just so you know, Ivermectin is not a 'chicken' drug. It's use in chickens is 'off label' and I believe there is a withdrawal period.
Using DE & lime in the coop & nests should be adequate. There is controversy over the use of DE too....

My schedule in summer is to dust with approved poultry dust one week, then DE the following week x 1 month, then re-evaluate. The coops, nests wtc. all get dusted too. In winter I rarely dust unless there appears to be a problem.

 

[tao chick]

I do not treat unless there are symptoms or I see bugs. Just so you know, Ivermectin is not a 'chicken' drug. It's use in chickens is 'off label' and I believe there is a withdrawal period.
 Using DE & lime in the coop & nests should be adequate. There is controversy over the use of DE too.... My schedule in summer is to dust with approved poultry dust one week, then DE the following week x 1 month, then re-evaluate. The coops, nests wtc. all get dusted too. In winter I rarely dust unless there appears to be a problem.

I'd quote you all, but I'm on my phone. Thank you, all, for your regimen information. I have wood ash available for bathing, somewhat deep litter (on concrete barn floor so not typical), and use DE under my nest boxes. The lime goes on the floor to combat dampness but doesn't seem to make a difference so I fluff in dry litter every week or so. So, I guess I haven't decided about anything yet. Thank you again!

 

[Chicken girl 15]

@Pyxis, how are the fluffies?