Shots and wormers

[Here chicky chicky]

How many people here give regular/preventative shots and or wormers to egg laying hens? Why? And how do I know if I need to? I'm not big on overdoing it when not needed, but I want both healthy hens and my 10 year old daughter cares for them so I worry about her getting something/anything from them as well. (PS: We have a pet turkey who lives with the hens if that matters) Much thanks!

 

[rockstar]

I'm interested in hearing replies to this. I haven't given my chickens any medications at all. They got flock starter and grit until they were about 17 weeks old. At that time I started Layena and two weeks ago I started putting oyster shell in with the pellets. They get scratch once a day and veggies, grass, etc. as available. I use DE in the bedding in the house and sprinkle some in the nesting boxes. I was advised to use DE in the area where they take dust baths. They are starting to lay and eggs seem to be coming steady, the shells look good. What else do I need to do to have healthy, disease free chickens with safe to eat eggs?

 

[Here chicky chicky]

We dont use anything in the bedding.. what is DE and whats it for?

 

[emilyweck]

I don't give it. I have heard pumpkin seeds are a good natural dewormer. If you are concerned about it, just give them some in their food. I have also heard that Cayenne Pepper sprinkled on their food does the trick, too.

I was really worried when I got my girls about all the issues/ailments they can get. Knock on wood, but mine are perfectly fine without any medication or preventative treatments. I do give them cottage cheese/yogurt a few times a week to help with their digestive systems, but nothing else other than their normal food and treats. I do have a chicken first aid kit on hand with dewormer and other things in case I see a problem.

In regards to your daughter, I think making sure she washes her hands and having instant hand sanitizer at the coop is the best practice to prevent possible issues.

 

[emilyweck]

Quote:
One thing I actually do is put Sevin dust in their dust baths for mite/lice prevention. I do this about two times a month.

 

[rockstar]

DE is diatomaceous earth or fossil shell flour. I got mine at our local feed store. It is food grade DE, not the swimming pool type. I had never heard of it until I started looking up information on chickens. It does kill bugs if you sprinkle it on them. It's supposed to be good for killing fleas too. Some of my co-workers say they are afraid to eat my chicken eggs. I have been and am okay so far, just wanted to make sure I don't miss something I need to do. Thanks for your replys.