hello everyone and happy Saturday! I have been googling this question, but with no luck. I recently bought 5-6 wk old pullets (so they are about 8 wks now) and I was curious if and when I should worm them, and which wormer to use? I have wazine, safeguard and valbazen. TIA!
Heather
I NEVER worm without getting a fecal float to confirm species and load to ensure I am not treating what I don't have and ensuring that I do use the correct medication IF needed.
10 years later... never treated for worms or given my birds poison for no reason or with hold eggs for weeks on end. Even when folks say muddy bumm or foamy poo, or this or that is sign you have worms... fecal floats tell the truth and that has NOT been the case for me!
Now some areas have heavier parasite load influenced by weather, stock load and other things. Load can even vary by season. One reason I never treat without confirmation is to avoid any chance of resistance. I NEED meds to work... IF and when they are actually needed and not as some false sense of "prevention".
It's great that you've got it on your radar... I didn't even know about parasites my first several years of keeping chickens.
Couple notes... only large round worms (and tape worms) will EVER be seen in droppings and usually only under heavy load. All others will stay in the intestines and only their microscopic eggs will pass in droppings. A float at my vet cost me about $25. I do "group" samples.. meaning collect several and include in one float. It is considered an acceptable method. On occasion.. chickens do shed an intestinal lining (as they grow) that can be mistaken for a round worm.
When I lived in the city things were different. Now I have to check birds after dark with a flashlight monthly for things like lice and mites. Parting feathers near the vent and on the abdomen and looking for things running away. You can get a much different picture than standard day time inspection.
Anyways... this is my take and suggestions.
Hope you love your new flock and enjoying BYC!
