The Heritage Rhode Island Red Site

[Fred's Hens]

That "thin" look, Joey, might be seeing more than just the need to worm.

We've had horrid heat and their feed consumption is tough during heat waves. Once the nights cool a bit in September, they really pick up their eating. It's challenging during the summer. Also, the final moult also makes them appear all ragged and thin,

So, keeping feeding them well, with high quality 18%-20% protein, good balanced feed. Fresh water. I know you do all this, so worm them and hopefully everything will align. The pests cleared (external and internal), renewed appetite and final feathers.

 

[cmom]

I agree with Fred. I also have used Ivermectin. It is a more broad spectrum pour on (I put 8 drops on on the back of the necks of the larger birds and 5 drops on bantams and smaller birds). I guess I'm one out of the 10.Fred mentioned.

 

[Ur-ur-ur-urrr]

Yes, on worming. I worm a week after being on soil. Then again at or near final moult. Get it done before laying commences and there is no egg withdrawal issues. I don't have access to a vet and wouldn't use one for this in any case. No problem to do it, if you wish, it just isn't a regular thing among most chicken folks in my circle.

The most popular methods are the Frontline ??? product, which is a drop at the base of the neck and/or at the oil gland. These treats internal and external pests. There are tons of videos, guides and articles on poultry worming, so I won't bother with rehashing it here. The internet is stuffed with resources and demo videos.

Also popular are the worming meds put into a pellet very similar to layer pellet. I find my birds will gobble them up, but then, they gobble up most anything. Your birds may balk at the pellets if they haven't seen anything beside mash or crumbles.

Twin Cities Poultry is an EXCELLENT online store and they come to most major shows in the central US as well and set up a store for the show.
But, even my local Tractor Supply had chicken worming pellets, Frontline, Safeguard, etc.

Ask 10 mentors what to do and you'll get 10 answers, but usually all the answers are good, they represent individual experience.

Thank you for the reply, Fred. I was looking for conformation to be sure it was okay to worm them whether they needed it or not. My birds have never seen a pellet, but then again, I've never seen them not eat anything I give them. If I offer it to them, it's automatically food... lol!

That "thin" look, Joey, might be seeing more than just the need to worm.

We've had horrid heat and their feed consumption is tough during heat waves. Once the nights cool a bit in September, they really pick up their eating. It's challenging during the summer. Also, the final moult also makes them appear all ragged and thin,

So, keeping feeding them well, with high quality 18%-20% protein, good balanced feed. Fresh water. I know you do all this, so worm them and hopefully everything will align. The pests cleared (external and internal), renewed appetite and final feathers.

They're still burning through a good bit of feed, and that's the reason I wondered if I should treat them for worms. I still have them on 24% chick starter, supplemented with greens, scratch grains, occasional food scraps, and of course, fresh grass and any bugs they can catch. Fresh water is always available. I haven't spotted any external parasites, but I suppose it's easier to prevent them than to treat for them. I'll go ahead and worm them just to be on the safe side.

Renewed appetite???

They rarely stop eating!!!

I agree with Fred. I also have used Ivermectin. It is a more broad spectrum pour on (I put 8 drops on on the back of the necks of the larger birds and 5 drops on bantams and smaller birds). I guess I'm one out of the 10.Fred mentioned.

Thanks for the tip, Ms. Alieda. I figured if I'm going to treat for one or more pests, I might as well treat for as many as possible. I'll see if I can find Ivermectin locally...

 

[cmom]

Our Tractor Supply carries it so maybe if there is one by you they most likely will carry it too.

 

[bluebirdnanny]

I know a lot don't believe this but pumpkin and fresh pumpkin seeds will help with worming too. I sometimes cut one saving the inner pulp/seed and freeze in Ziplock bags. Just thaw a little bag and I give it to the whole flock.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I know a lot don't believe this but pumpkin and fresh pumpkin seeds will help with worming too. I sometimes cut one saving the inner pulp/seed and freeze in Ziplock bags. Just thaw a little bag and I give it to the whole flock.

The science of curcubits and their curcucide properties is well known and several Ag studies at University Ag Department studies confirm this.
Melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash seed and the like. Since we are big gardeners, we have them in surplus, unfortunately, not all year long.
Not all internal pests respond equally well to them, however, so other worming agents are often indicated for show poultry. Homestead poultry in an organic situation have other options as well.

 

[Fred's Hens]

External mites and lice

I gotta tell this story. The reason folks like the drops at the neck base and tail base is the ability to control not only internal pests, but external pests. The itty bitty almost "no see um" bugs draw blood and sap the life out your birds. I know all about dust baths and DE and all the rest, so no need to go "there", but let me finish this story.

I handle birds for those I mentor and for those who simply ask to do so as another objective set of eyes. This time of year and on into the fall, I handle a LOT of birds from lots of different husbandry situations. There is nothing quite like handling birds and getting your hands and forearms all bit up and itchy. Yes, it has happened on more than one occasion to the embarrassment of the folks raising them. You absolutely do NOT want that happening to a show judge. You will be asked to remove your bird and take it out to the truck. Period.

Again, there are all kinds of products, both organic labeled and traditional pesticides that combat these tiny life suckers. Do your own research, own your decisions and go about your business as a poultry keeper. I don't like babysitting people and don't like treating them as if they cannot grow, research and make their own decisions. But ignorance is not an excuse and is certainly not bliss. Get your birds cleaned up and do what you gotta do.

.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Let's get back to promoting these great birds. Here's some LF pullets, while not near "done" yet, are getting closer all the time. There are a couple I like very much. So many new feathers coming in and so much mounting going on, but it won't be too long now.

 

[waddles99]

Let's get back to promoting these great birds. Here's some LF pullets, while not near "done" yet, are getting closer all the time. There are a couple I like very much. So many new feathers coming in and so much mounting going on, but it won't be too long now.

How old are they? They look nice. They look about 4-5 months to me.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Yes, they were hatched in early April. Cutting it very close for the Red's National in the Ohio National. We'll just have to see how it goes.
But progress is coming along. Nature has to take ti's course and won't be rushed. Here's last week. I can see them change by the week now.