This is not an emergency, but a question about worms.

[Stephanie R]

My small flock doesn't have worms that I'm aware. I was just wondering if this is something that's more common in some areas of the country than others, what symptoms to look for, and how to treat. I'm trying to be prepared. Thanks for your help.

 

[boskelli1571]

Well....worming chickens definitely has 2 camps - some people worm their chickens regularly, others don't. I fall into the latter category - I have found no evidence of worms in my flock until very recently. Then I wormed with herbal remedies.
So to answer your question - chickens will start to be lethargic, laying goes down, combs can become anemic. If you are concerned take a fecal specimen to the local vet. S/he may not be a bird specialist but they should be able to find worms. If found, you have a couple of choices. First is to treat with regular worming medicine, all of which I believe, require an egg withdrawal period - I may be wrong on this. Your second choice is to treat herbally. Many people swear by herbal tinctures etc. This is what I used recently on my flock and the hen in question seems to be better now.
hope this helps,

 

[Stephanie R]

Thanks. I'm not terribly keen on medicating if I don't need to.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks. I'm not terribly keen on medicating if I don't need to.

Have your vet do routine fecals.... Just gather up a bunch of fresh poop from as many chickens as possible, put in baggie, stir well and drop off at vet office.

-Kathy

 

[Stephanie R]

It seems I'm in the vet's office at least every month for something, so this might be the ticket.

 

[casportpony]

It seems I'm in the vet's office at least every month for something, so this might be the ticket.

Sure won't hurt to ask them about doing it.

-Kathy