Worming chickens (and ducks?) -- questions

[karmlacres]

My initial birds were given to me about a year ago. I never wormed them. Never gave it a thought as I was not aware of the need.... until yesterday at TSC and getting things for the new hatchlings.

I understand that I can go ahead and worm the adult hen/rooster.

BUT is it safe for the ducks? Same age as the hen/roo.

My other concern is the statement on the bottle of dewormer that said it was not intended for hens laying eggs for human consumption. Ummmm. That's exactly what hen's eggs are for! So if I give her the wormer, how long do I need to discard her eggs before we can eat them again (I'll probably try to incubate them).

The bottle was for swine, hens, and turkeys. There was another cautionary statement about ceasing the use of the wormer 14 days prior to slaughter on the swine. Would that apply to chickens too?

How often do you worm the birds? Once a year?

Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[midget_farms]

You are right on the money.

The wormer is added to the water & the eggs for 2 weeks should be tossed. Unless you have worms! Then go ahead.

I dont' know about ducks - sometimes they react differently than chickens & I don't have them.

You can worm 1x per year - some do 2x per year.

Generally though - if you protect the flock from wild birds (droppings) you can do a good job of preventing worms.

keep the food inside the coop & water too. that will discourage wild birds from hanging around.

But - its still a good idea to worm them 1x per year.

 

[axion_lotus]

I was actually really curious about this, too. Thanks for clearing that up, midget_farms.

 

[Gypsy07]

Well, it really depends on the specific wormer. What one are you using?

 

[karmlacres]

Wazine was what was at TSC. Southern States may have something else. If there is something better than Wazine, I can look for it. I'm not aware of any worms being present, so at this point, it would be a preventative treatment.

 

[schellie69]

Wazine is good for one type of worms you need to follow up with a different wormer 10 days after the wazine some use safeguard, there is another that is a drop on that works for lice/mites as well as worms and then you throw the eggs away for 2 weeks following that treatment. I don't know about duck since I don't have them.

 

[ray2310]

I believe you can use food grade DE (diatomaceous earth) to control worms - other people may have more details or google your specific conditions..
We add some to our feed, bedding, nesting boxes, dusting areas as a natural preventative of insects - also give to our cats/dog in their foods and as an anti-flea dust.