Questions about de-wormers

[BarbiD]

My initial pullets are right about 6 months old now. I have never given them a de-wormer but have read here on many different posts that you should worm every 6 months and Fall and Spring are the best time to do so. I have no reason to believe my girls have worms but if it is the right preventative thing to do, then I will. I've also done research on natural preventions such as pumpkin seeds, which I would prefer to do. I am confused though why Wazine is so highly touted here in several posts since the label says not to give it to "laying hens." Could anyone clear that up for me?

 

[redsoxs]

Here is a link with very definitive information about de-worming chickens. I think what they are referring to on the Wazine is there is a 14 day 'don't eat the eggs' period when giving Wazine and certain other de-wormers. I think some folks worm the birds in the fall or winter when laying is slack so not as many eggs are wasted. Here's the link https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/internal-parasites-parasitic-worms-in-chickens I cannot attest to the pumpkin seed idea, although I have heard that fresh pumpkin is an effective pig de-wormer...again, it's what I've read - I can't personally vouch.
Hope the info in the link helps. Best wishes.

 

[BarbiD]

Thank you so much!

 

[chickens really]

I have never wormed my Birds....On another post I read it depends on your location...Im in Canada....I wont worm unless I ever see any?...

Good luck..

Cheers!

 

[chickcrack]

The best thing to do in my opinion is take a fecal sample to a vet and have them test for worms. I do this twice a year.It doesn't need to be an avian or farm vet. My regular dog/cat vet does it for me. I am also in Canada and it doesn't matter where you live...parasites live everywhere. The product that you may use is named differently in different countries. I have never seen worms in my chickens poop and I do inspect. However 2 fecals have returned positive for roundworms. An avian vet told me that by the time you see worms in poop that bird is carrying a dangerous load of worms. I give my birds things like pumpkin seeds, garlic occasionally, ACV occasionally but I do not believe these products repel worms or parasites...I also don't like giving meds if not needed which is why I do fecal screens to see if it is required. Best of luck!

 

[annaBsChick]

Another method is to conduct a fecal test -- it is relatively inexpensive and noninvasive way of determining what parasites are actually bothering your chickens, if any. Just a thought, I did it and found I did not even need to worm my chickens. You can get it tested at a nearby veterinary diagnostic lab - here is a list of different labs - http://www.poultrydvm.com/labs.php

 

[BarbiD]

Called my Vet back and they WILL do a fecal test for me...sounded like they didn't really want to but YEAH! Thanks for all the great info and I do not like to treat unless they need it.

 

[chickcrack]

Excellent! Yes my vet initially said no but I rhymed off all my chickens names and explained that they were pets and he agreed to Doesn't hurt to take in an extra dozen eggs when you visit either