Should I be de-worming my chickens?

[TinyChickenLady]

Quote:
Now that kind of makes me wonder if my neighbor's chickens might have them... Not that it would matter because they won't get treated anyway (don't get me started on that rant

). But ever since they cooped them up, they have been losing weight. I don't know if it's because they have worms or because they aren't being fed enough...
I can say, the head rooster has been looking a bit pale too if that's possible. Is that a sign of worms?
Mine aren't showing any symptoms, so should I leave them alone? Or is de-worming a regular yearly thing even if they don't have them?

 

[Tracydr]

Quote:
This is how I feel. Worming just because only builds resistance to workers. Worming when it's really needed makes sense. All animals are quite capable of developing immunity to worms, given a strong immune system. They can even become more immune to external parasites like mites. I've noticed, when I lived in areas with flea problems, that fleas attack animals that were weakened with cancer, or we're very old or young. They stayed away from the healthy strong animals.
If you want to develop a strong, healthy flock over time, cull those most severely infested and allow the others to work it out.
Now, if my entire flock is suffering, I will treat. But, I won't just worm every three months for the heck of it.
I've cut back to twice a year worming on my horses, from the recommended every six weeks, and have not noticed any ill effects. Hopefully, they've developed immunity. I plan to do some stool samples this winter to see how it's going.

 

[turtlebird]

So what you all seem to be saying, help me understand, is that chickens can develop immunity to worms/parasites. Does this mean that they are able to overcome the effects of parasites, with parasites remaining in their system, or does their immune system actually kill the parasite and flush it out? What does immunity to parasites actually look like in the host? I hope this isn't a hi-jack, but I also do not want to be de-worming my ladies if it is detrimental to their natural immunity and overall strength

 

[southerndesert]

Quote:
What I mean is this.... Or I should say, In my opinion.

Use worm medication only if you have worms verified by site or when a fecal test comes back positive from the vet.

Use natural preventive feeds stuffs with diet if you wish as some swear they work at helping avoid re-infestation.

Keep your coop, run, and pen as clean as possible to also help deter parasites.

Over use of medications as a "preventative" is not a good idea....

Not sure on the part about an animal becoming immune to an actual parasite and am also interested in any answer.... I do know parasites can become immune to medication if to many generations are exposed over and over.


Edit spell....