When Should I De-worm my chickens?

[CaliBlueChicken]

Quote:
I wanted to use a natural wormer... verm-x?

I use Verm-X, although it is more of a preventative. There is no egg withdrawal period.

Ok yea, I think I will do that then. Since there is no egg withdrawl period... I would like to just prevent.

 

[CaliBlueChicken]

Should I also get the Keep Well tonic eggsrcool? Do you use that? Verm-X seems like it can get expensive. How long do you think the 500ml bottle will last? http://verm-x.com/poultry.html If you don't know thats okay too. Sorry for all the in depth questions

 

[eggsrcool]

Quote:
I don't keep the Keep Well Tonic (but, if birds are well looked after, then I can't really see the point either

) . Verm-X can be very expensive, I agree.

According to Verm-X's website a 250ml bottle of liquid will last 10 birds over 6 months. So, 500ml will last 6 birds over a year.

Edited to add more information in.

 

[CaliBlueChicken]

Quote:
I don't keep the Keep Well Tonic (but, if birds are well looked after, then I can't really see the point either

) . Verm-X can be very expensive, I agree.

According to Verm-X's website a 250ml bottle of liquid will last 10 birds over 6 months. So, 500ml will last 6 birds over a year.

Edited to add more information in.

Oh okay great! Then I will probably only need the 250ml or 500ml bottle... thanks so much again

 

[eggsrcool]

That's ok, glad to help

 

[Cinderellasnickers08]

eggsrcool,

I read some of your earlier messages on worming. I haven't wormed mine at all. I got some of them from a feedstore that received their birds from an Eastern Missouri Hatchery. I've been treating them for coccidia for the last couple of months. On for 3 days off for 3 days with it, it's a liquid I add to water. It seems to be getting it out of the flock now (13 birds).
Does the treatment for coccidia have a wormer in it also, if it's a sulpha based treatment? Not all my birds came from the hatchery, most of them except for 4, came from local farmers around here in Nebr. They were not as sick with the coccidia as the ones from the hatchery. The hatchery ones gave it to the whole batch I had already.

Also wanted to know if you know what might prevent Wry neck or Crooked neck in Black or White Silkies around 14-20 wks old?
The last couple of weeks I've been hand feeding a Black silkie hen to get her back to health. I've been giving her a suppliment with vitamin E in it, about 2 drops 3 times a day. I'm worried I've been over doing the amount of times I should be giving it. Today was the best I've seen with her responses thou. I separated her from the flock, since a larger Wyandotte hen was getting overly protective of her. I paired her with my little rooster Black silkie to keep her company. She seems to really brighten up when they both had new surroundings and no other hens trying to mother them. They really are keeping each other company and being helpful to each other kindly, which is very refreshing to the huddling in a corner she's been doing for the past week or so. The vertigo gets to her so she just closes her eyes and stayed out of the way. It could have been just too busy for her, but now she's much calmer & looking like she's feeling more self esteem. I've been worried I would loose her, but she wants to eat more now with his guidance as to where & how. So it's better. While hand feeding her this week I made sure she was not being treated for the coccidia at the same time. I thought it might conflict with her health some way, plus she was really run down & under weight. I hope eating better now will catch her up.
Should I keep the vitamin E going for all the silkies I have, or just her, after she gets well completely too? I'm asking all this about silkies mostly, since you have such an adorable picture of one. Hoping you have the inside info on what's best for them, since I'm new to chickens for the first time this year.

Thanks so much for your advice ahead of time and help

 

[Tropical Chook]

I know it's just my own personal choice, but I just wouldn't feel comfortable eating the eggs if the hens are getting any sort of medication, no matter what the manufacturers say. Sure I worm my dogs, but they don't put breakfast on the table, and I doubt I'll ever eat them

In my opinion, you should only consider worming if you suspect there may be worms present, and even then, I would need to think long and hard about it. Fortunately, I've not yet encountered any problems, so here's hoping my luck holds out

 

[Cinderellasnickers08]

Yes, on not using the eggs if medicating. It's indicated to be cautioned not to on most of the medications I think. Plus it's just not safe for human or any animal to eat them either, if anything has been introduced to the chicken during laying time. I definitely agree with you on that I just forgot to mention that earlier, thanks though! It's good to let others know just in case they didn't think of it in their situations too.

 

[Mary_Ann]

Hi All,

I've only been owned by my hens for 11 mo., but I have been using food grade DE every month or so. Sure as can be after a couple of days dead worms start passing through - usually by one RI Red. She seems more susceptible then the others. With the DE you don't have to worry about the eggs and it has some minerals in it so you get more bang for the buck. Just be sure you get food grade. Wolf Creek Ranch carries very good DE - shipping is expensive though.

Mary Ann

 

[geeber]

So, just to be clear... it may not be necessary to use de-wormers? Our hens are 5 months old & I've not used anything. I'm starting to wonder if I need to. I have used DE (food grade) in the coop just in case (b/c I'm hyper worried about mites & bugs) & b/c the girls like to roll in it & eat it.
How do chickens get worms? We have three hens & do not plan to add to flock anytime soon. They free range the back yard when we are home.