Pumpkins?

[Liamm_1]

interesting, I love the pics of the pumpkin cut open as if it's a feeder LOL
makes me think I should have picked up some of those smashed pumpkins I saw after Halloween lol
Questions: is deworming necessary? are worms a common ailment of chickens? How would you know if they have worms? how do they get worms? Thanks!

 

[tammyd57]

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If your chickens have worms, then , yes, deworming is necessary. Worms can cause weight loss, reduction in eggs, and even death to your chicken.
Whether worms are common will sometimes depend on where you live. Worms in chickens are not common in my area, but if you have a cat here that goes outside it will have to be wormed every 6 months.
In areas where worms are common, they can be passed between chickens in the feces, or from worm eggs in the soil. They can also get worms from eating earthworms who have eaten the eggs from the other worms.
You would know if they have a lot of worms if you see any in their poo. That would be a heavy worm load and I wouldn't want to let it get that far before worming. Weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite are some symptoms to look for. Also fewer eggs laid (if they aren't molting or broody).
I've heard about the seeds of pumpkins being a good dewormer. I don't know, I very seldom get worms in my chickens, but they do get pumpkins and seeds every fall, so maybe that's why.

 

[AccioSarah]

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Mine too! After carving we put all of the gunk in bowls for them, and they went nuts! Absolutely loved it!