What age to worm chicks?

[IcarusSomnio]

At what age should I worm my chicks for the first time? My Welsummers and Sebrights are about 9-10 weeks now, I have some others in the range of 6-8 weeks. Okay time to worm with Ivermectin? Or should I let them grow some more?


I've been wanting to worm them badly but was afraid of doing it to early and either killing them or causing serious digestive upset.

 

[Lollipop]

You`re too anxious. You shouldn`t be concerned about worms til they are at least 6 mos. and then look for worms in their droppings. If you don`t see any or if everyone is looking and acting healthy, don`t worm them. If they start having symptoms, then look for worms, but don`t jump the gun........Pop

 

[IcarusSomnio]

Quote:
I was kinda worried as the chicks just seem thin (they have 24/7 22% feed, water, and grass) and never seem really PLUMP. Maybe it's just because their still growing? My Welsummers seem to have filled out pretty nicely with plump breasts. I want to double check them again though.


Like I said, everyone has constant access to food in the tractor, and ALMOST constant access to food outside (I generally feed 3x per day and they can't completely clear it).


Everyones really active, eating and drinking plenty, am I just mothering them to much?

The older birds are all wormed, as are the dogs.

 

[BrewedInNh]

Quote:
Thanks for this word of restraint. I've read several threads on worming and was beginning to think that I need to medicate my girls, regardless of symptoms. I'm not a fan of medicating without specific cause, not for myself or my animals. Of course innoculations are another matter.

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
Even innoculations should be done with restraint. Mareks is one that usually is done at the hatchery, if requested. Others on a need basis.........Pop

 

[ranchhand]

Trust Pop, he has excellent advice.

I never treat anything unless the specific need arises.

 

[oliviad51]

If you want to worm them without using the actual wormer, use garlic. Smash some cloves in their water. Its a great organic way to get rid of worms.

 

[Kmom1]

You`re too anxious. You shouldn`t be concerned about worms til they are at least 6 mos. and then look for worms in their droppings. If you don`t see any or if everyone is looking and acting healthy, don`t worm them. If they start having symptoms, then look for worms, but don`t jump the gun........Pop

Hi! We found two baby chicks and We've had them for about 3 weeks...They're prob 4 weeks old. Actively looking for a rescue for them as I cannot keep them. The other day I saw one pull a white worm from their behind. Are they too young to deworm? Should I wait? Is it worse to deworm at a young age? I've been reading that safeguard paste for horses is often utilized.

Thank you in advance!

 

[mcdze]

if theyre infested with worms that young, you have a worm infestation in general with other things that theyre picking it up from .. ive never had to deworm chickens under a year old, if theyre healthy and active i wouldnt focus on them .. i dont think a reserved dosage of dewormer is going to hurt them, but they arnt the main problem, know that ..