Worming chickens?

[dawg53]

Worm eggs are everywhere, they dont discriminate whether the soil is frozen or hot. Some eggs survive for years in soil no matter the type of soil. That said, it's your soil that dictates when and how often you should worm. Warm moist wet soil requires frequent wormings. Cool or cold mountainous soil or desert like soil may require less frequent wormings. Chickens that are penned on the same soil require frequent wormings. The bottom line is if their feet touch the ground, they'll get worms.

 

[Monstro]

What I gather from this is theirs many variables such as climate and how your individual flock is managed, therefore opinions differ.

So, not to start a debate or anything, but does DE work against worms? Or is it more for parasites/mites?

 

[dawg53]

What I gather from this is theirs many variables such as climate and how your individual flock is managed, therefore opinions differ.

So, not to start a debate or anything, but does DE work against worms? Or is it more for parasites/mites?

DE is ineffective when wet, just like inside chickens innards. It doesnt prevent nor treat worms, been there done that a long time ago. DE may or may not treat lice/mites, depending how bad the infestation. When dealing with parasites; like in other pets/animals, you want to prevent it from happening in the first place. Lice are more of an irritant to chickens, mites are killers. Either affect egg production. I prefer sevin dust to kill external parasites, it kills lice on contact. Mites may require several treatments depending how bad the infestation or even more potent chemicals to get rid of them.

 

[Spangled]

Worm eggs are everywhere, they dont discriminate whether the soil is frozen or hot. Some eggs survive for years in soil no matter the type of soil. That said, it's your soil that dictates when and how often you should worm. Warm moist wet soil requires frequent wormings. Cool or cold mountainous soil or desert like soil may require less frequent wormings. Chickens that are penned on the same soil require frequent wormings. The bottom line is if their feet touch the ground, they'll get worms.

Thanks for reply. Okay, so that's likely why I can get away with not worming. Plus, worms may be in the frozen soil as you say, but during the whole, long winter season of frozen ground, often with snow on it, my chickens can't get to those worms.

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
One thing to keep in mind whenever your snow melts or temps warm up; springtime is worm time. Worm your birds BEFORE egg production peaks in spring, otherwise you'll be tossing alot of eggs in the garbage after worming.

 

[bobbi-j]

What I gather from this is theirs many variables such as climate and how your individual flock is managed, therefore opinions differ.

Exactly, and every one of us is passionate about our opinions!

I have been raising chickens for years and have never wormed them. Nor do I worm my dog or cat on a regular basis. No problems so far. I have had to worm a cat now and then, but I only do it when necessary. (Yup, I'm part of the problem...) I also don't vaccinate or treat any other unseen problems. Ultimately, you have to decide what's best for your flock. If you're comfortable worming them on a regular basis, go ahead. If you're comfortable waiting until there is a known problem, that's fine, too. It's like raising kids. You get all kinds of advice from all kinds of people. You have to sift through it and figure out what's going to work best for you.

 

[newwestchick]

Good points on both sides everyone.

I'm also of the mindset that a highly nutritious diet, clean living area, fresh air, as well as lots of exercise go a long way in any animal husbandry.

ETA prevention! That's what I'm getting at in terms of worms

 

[dawg53]

Quote: You stated that you treated your cat for worms. Do you wait to treat your cat when you see worms in the poop? Do you realize the internal damage that occurs? Yep, it's a management problem alright.

 

[mymilliefleur]

You got some good pointers from the other members.

I have never used any type of wormers on my chickens, and have never had any problems. I rotate my chickens every other day though, and I know with cattle and sheep rotation helps prohibit parasites, so that may be part of it. I agree with dawg53, about not worming while molting.

 

[bobbi-j]

You stated that you treated your cat for worms. Do you wait to treat your cat when you see worms in the poop? Do you realize the internal damage that occurs? Yep, it's a management problem alright.

I've wormed a couple of cats. They came to me as kittens, they had worms, I wormed them as needed. I haven't wormed our current cat since we got him 4 years ago. He's fine. I will not get into a debate over this. There are as many different management styles as there are people here on BYC.