I heard some chicken owners deworm their flock before spring. Would like to hear everyone thoughts on this.
Some people do regularly worm, but others won't unless they know that their birds are carrying a worm load. There is the worry that the parasites will start to build resistance to wormers so they should only be used when necessary. You can get a fecal float done at the vets to reveal whether there is a problem or not.
I prefer to worm 4 times a year, using a different wormier each time. However the less time that your hens free range on ground where hens have free ranged before the fewer worms and other internal parasites your hens will pick up.
I have never deformed a Chicken ever. If your Coop and Run is clean they never usually suffer worm over loads. Best wishes...
Some flocks will have more problems than others; there's no one answer for everyone. Having fecals run at the veterinarian's is the only reliable way to ID intestinal parasites, and if found, especially in large numbers, worming can be indicated. No one product kills every parasite, so knowing what's there is necessary to be effective. Mary
I worm mine twice a year as part of routine care. I worm in March and September. It works for me (I don't worm myself....Maybe I should?!) and my hens don't have a problem.
Just an FYI, research has shown the rotational deworming actually helps create resistant worms and is no longer recommended.