My chickens are starting to lose a few feathers and I think that a molt is imminent. I've read, here and elsewhere, that it's a good idea to pre-emptively worm during a molt since there won't be many eggs anyway so it's not as big a deal to toss them. Also, there have been a few stinky runny poos out there and something just seems... off. So I was thinking about worming them when they molt.
I've never wormed. My girls range in age from 3 (those were inherited from someone else, and I don't think she wormed them) to 4 months.
FWIW I usually use ACV and probiotics in their water and only give organic food, and we try to eat organic as a family. I usually try to avoid antibiotics but sometimes they are called for, and I'm trying to figure out if this is one of those times.
Questions -
Should I do a fecal test before I worm? The lady at the pet store suggested I do this so I don't build up antibiotic resistance in my birds for no reason.
If I do a fecal test, do I have to test poop from all the girls, or just a random sample?
I read here that I should first use Wazine 17, then Valbazen. The pet store only carries Wazine, not Valbazen. They also carry Rooster Booster and Ivermectin. If I do treat, what are my best options?
The lady at the pet store says that I have to throw out all eggs for a month each time I use one of the stronger antibiotics, but that if I use Rooster Booster we can still eat the eggs. Thoughts?
I've read a fair amount on these boards and talked to the pet store lady and now I'm just confused. I know this is kind of a controversial topic and I apologize if I'm, err, opening a can of worms (pun not intended). Just trying to figure out the best way to proceed here.
Thanks!
I've never wormed. My girls range in age from 3 (those were inherited from someone else, and I don't think she wormed them) to 4 months.
FWIW I usually use ACV and probiotics in their water and only give organic food, and we try to eat organic as a family. I usually try to avoid antibiotics but sometimes they are called for, and I'm trying to figure out if this is one of those times.
Questions -
Should I do a fecal test before I worm? The lady at the pet store suggested I do this so I don't build up antibiotic resistance in my birds for no reason.
If I do a fecal test, do I have to test poop from all the girls, or just a random sample?
I read here that I should first use Wazine 17, then Valbazen. The pet store only carries Wazine, not Valbazen. They also carry Rooster Booster and Ivermectin. If I do treat, what are my best options?
The lady at the pet store says that I have to throw out all eggs for a month each time I use one of the stronger antibiotics, but that if I use Rooster Booster we can still eat the eggs. Thoughts?
I've read a fair amount on these boards and talked to the pet store lady and now I'm just confused. I know this is kind of a controversial topic and I apologize if I'm, err, opening a can of worms (pun not intended). Just trying to figure out the best way to proceed here.
Thanks!