Raise Organically, but think I need to Worm. Suggestions Please?

[zephyr66]

I have had my flock for about 6 months now but have a hen who is ill. She was broody, but broke her brood. She is lethargic, not eating much, and her comb is losing color and her tail is down. She has been this way for a couple days now. At night she can't get up on the roosting bar by herself. Today I noticed a bright yellow, watery poo. Not normal. There are some other droppings for different chickens that are red in nature and have a long, thin white looking thing that looks like it might be a worm. I've found this type of poo a few times in the last couple of days, but again, from a different chicken. My girls need to be kept in a run and although it's spacious, I know the chances of getting worms are higher. I have been mixing DE in their food, but only for the last few weeks. I have read that chickens can die from worms and the symptoms are varied. I raise my girls all organically, but if I have to worm, I have to worm and don't want to jeopardize their health. Saying that, what is the least toxic way to worm and any suggestions on brands? I want something efficient, but not more toxic than necessary. I'm thinking maybe I can just worm 2x/year and use DE the rest of the time to minimize worming. Any suggestions and input would be greatly appreciated! Worried about my sick hen! Also, don't want to make more ill from me neglecting something that perhaps just needs to be done.

Sylvia

 

[schellie69]

This is what I did last year, I used wazine in their water followed 10 days later by safeguard paste (pea size on a piece of bread for each bird) after each worming I gave a treat of yogurt and dry cat food mixed together do not eat the eggs for 10 days after wazine and 14 days after 2nd worming. I have DE does not work as a preventive or a wormer why it does not work when it is wet and the inside of a chicken is wet so it does nothing but keep moisture out of the food. You can try pumpkin seeds, garlic, cayenne pepper in between wormings.

I did this and it worked last year and my DGD is allergic to store bought eggs and she can eat my chicken's eggs. I hope this helps. Please feel free to PM me if you have questions.