worming , How often is necessary or not?

[Jakoda]

My chickies will be 6 weeks old tomorrow, no sign of any illnesses, worms, etc. But am wondering if people 'worm' their chickens just "because" and how often they feel it should be done as a preventative?

In other words, should I worm my chicks and how often even if I see no sign of worms?
Thanks
Diane

 

[cafarmgirl]

A lot of it depends on where you live. Warmer, wetter areas have a higher worm/parasite population that dryer or colder climates.

Where I live I deworm adult chickens once or twice a year. Chickens are going to get worms at some point simply because of their life style. For that reason many people keep up a regular deworming schedule. If you wait until you see signs of poor health then the bird has a high parasite load and has sustained a lot of internal damage.

You can also take fecal samples in and have a vet check for parasites, or learn to do them yourself. If you do that you will want to do a few each time. If parasites are not shedding at the time the sample is tested you can get a false negative.

 

[MustLoveHens]

Each chicken owner does their own thing regarding "de-worming" or "worming". When I showed my birds I "dewormed" them once a year when they were in molt. I used SafeGuard horse paste. A glob the size of a pea over the tongue. Now, I don't show, so the Girls don't get treated at all. They will if I see worms or if they become unthrifty and there has been no change in feed, they are not stressed, and if the weather is not a factor. I also "deworm" and dust any new flock members while they are in quarentine and any birds I sell.
Basically, treat if you see worms or have a good suspition. If not, then don't treat. Over treating for parasites can cause problems later on down the road as the parasites develop a tolerance to the drugs in the medications. The horse world is starting to go through this now.
If your suspicious of worms, technically the correct thing to do is to take a dropping sample to your vet and have them test it to determine what worms (or lack thereof) are present and "deworm" according to what type of parasite is found.
Honestly I never bothered with all that when I showed. I just did it once a year and never had issues. The vet in our area at the time was very expensive and knew nothing about chickens.
Generally speaking from my experience, a "wormy" chicken will be unthrifty and pale faced and can have poor feather quality because the nutrition form their feed is not being utilized correctly. They usually will behave normally. Once "wormed" the chicken will start to gain weight and their face becomes normal colored again. Their face gets color pretty quickly. HTH

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have read on BYC not to worm "just in case" unless they are older than 18 weeks because the internal organs are still developing.


I have settled on a worm twice a year plan because I have had trouble with worms on this land. But I wouldn't be worming at all unless I had a problem because you have to throw away eggs.

 

[dawg53]

Each chicken owner does their own thing regarding "de-worming" or "worming". When I showed my birds I "dewormed" them once a year when they were in molt. I used SafeGuard horse paste. A glob the size of a pea over the tongue. Now, I don't show, so the Girls don't get treated at all. They will if I see worms or if they become unthrifty and there has been no change in feed, they are not stressed, and if the weather is not a factor. I also "deworm" and dust any new flock members while they are in quarentine and any birds I sell.
Basically, treat if you see worms or have a good suspition. If not, then don't treat. Over treating for parasites can cause problems later on down the road as the parasites develop a tolerance to the drugs in the medications. The horse world is starting to go through this now.
If your suspicious of worms, technically the correct thing to do is to take a dropping sample to your vet and have them test it to determine what worms (or lack thereof) are present and "deworm" according to what type of parasite is found.
Honestly I never bothered with all that when I showed. I just did it once a year and never had issues. The vet in our area at the time was very expensive and knew nothing about chickens.
Generally speaking from my experience, a "wormy" chicken will be unthrifty and pale faced and can have poor feather quality because the nutrition form their feed is not being utilized correctly. They usually will behave normally. Once "wormed" the chicken will start to gain weight and their face becomes normal colored again. Their face gets color pretty quickly. HTH

FYI: Worming birds with safeguard (fenbendazole) during molt can cause regrowing feathers to stunt or curl during regrowth. It's best not to worm during molt due to added stress on the chickens system. Also by the time worms are seen in poop, damage has occured to the intestinal lining resulting in poor nutrient absorption. Rotation of wormers prevent worm resistance to one particular wormer.

 

[Jakoda]

thanks for the info. After reading suggestions, I'll probably just do a wait and see, and if all seems clear maybe worm them once a year.
thanks again
Diane

 

[Whispering_Raven]

I use Apple Cider Vinegar once a week in their water and I give them plain yogurt or cottage cheese as a treat once a month to balance any potential bacteria. I use about 3tbsp. give or take per gallon of water. My chickens are free range on 20 acres so they have their choice of bugs, plants, frogs, etc....But ACV has tremendous health benefits for humans and chickens alike. Now, having said that, I ONLY use Bragg's ACV with the Mother. It's organic and unrefined and contains/retains the acidity and mineral content which helps kill all kinds of germs.

 

[chick man]

FYI: Worming birds with safeguard (fenbendazole) during molt can cause regrowing feathers to stunt or curl during regrowth. It's best not to worm during molt due to added stress on the chickens system. Also by the time worms are seen in poop, damage has occured to the intestinal lining resulting in poor nutrient absorption. Rotation of wormers prevent worm resistance to one particular wormer.

so i'm new to the chick thing when do the chickens molt or what are the signs of molting. what are some good wormers and how long should i not eat the eggs?

 

[Jakoda]

actually I have been giving mine ACV (braggs) daily since I got them, never had pasty butts, they all are quite healthy looking/acting, so I"m definitely an advocate for ACV: