that's the case with white clover, fig, celandines, and coriander (which are all also identified in that paper as natural anthelmintics) which all grow here, and would explain why I don't have to worm the flock.
To worm, or not to worm...when we fell down the roundworm rabbit hole years ago, I spoke with keepers around here who said they don't worm, but it was because they didn't think to. Their birds were also being picked off young by predators or dying from mystery ailments (likely from sickness brought on by parasites, IMHO).
Online, I've been able to hear from those I'd consider better role models (e.g., Perris) and people who test for worms (shout out to L-plate) who find their birds aren't in need of conventional worming. Jeff Mattocks, like him or lump him, discusses ways optimal nutrition/forage might keep parasite loads in check. I *think* the topic comes up in one of these podcasts:
https://www.owltail.com/people/7AfIK-jeff-mattocks/appearances.
I also read posts by respected, old-school BYC members who worm prophylactically due to relentless roundworms. And still others who argue passionately against prophylactic worming for the reasons B-Dutch mentions and concerns about wormer resistance.
I don't remember many sources being cited in any case. I do remember being frustrated by all the opposite opinions! However, that makes more sense when you begin to realize the vast range of chicken-keeping conditions and goals that exist around the world.
Based on what I read back then + our keeping style + results at the vet, I formed an IPM plan (integrated pest management, popular term in beekeeping around Varroa mites).
- Expand their range for access to a bigger variety of forage
- Scoop poops in high-traffic areas several times daily to reduce worm eggs in the soil
- Quarterly worming at least 1-2 years
In year 2 of this, we've had our lowest-ever rates of slow crop, diarrhea, laying problems, lethargy, etc. So I'm a fan of wormer, but of course an even bigger fan of ranging, since the exercise and forage promote robust health any way you slice it.
Important to note that the worst worm problems have always been in our first chickens, who were hatchery hatched and spent limited time on dirt as chicks. As a beginner, I was scared of exposing them to coccidiosis and unseasonable cold that year. Subsequent groups of chicks were on dirt much earlier here.
It's likely chicks hatched & raised by actual chickens on dirt develop a much stronger natural defense to the dangers lurking in that dirt. In that case, natural wormers would simply augment their already better-equipped immune systems. So those of you with broodies raising your babies may be apples to my incubated oranges.
but important to note this isn't how worms typically show themselves.
