Worming? New to this!

[Starface33]

I probably should have done more research before I got chickens cause worming never crossed my mind. What should I worm them with and how often, can I worm them even if I intend to eat them at some point? My boss has peacocks and he worms them with ivermectin every 3 months, he eats the eggs but not the birds obviously. Would Ivermectin be suitable or do you guys recommend something else? Thanks so much!

 

[20736]

Ivermectin has a warning about consuming animals treated with it. I avoid eating any eggs from Ivermectrin treated hens for 21 days for the same reason. I don't worm on a regular schedule for that reason, only when I see signs of infestation(s).
Have you seen worms in stool(s)? Signs of infestation? If Sevin works, I like to use it first because I can still eat eggs.

 

[Starface33]

no, no signs of worms at all. I wasnt sure if it should be a routine thing or do it as needed?

 

[20736]

I know some people worm on a regular schedule. I have mite problems more than worm problems, so I have the Sevin option available, plus a premises spray option.
You decide, they are your chickens. Good Luck with it, I am sure it will be fine in the long run.

 

[terryg]

I've had hens for over 16 years and have never once had to worm. Every few years I have fecal samples examined by the vet and I've never had a problem. I started out on land that had never had hens, and I practice very good manure management (you can see what I do here: http://hencam.com/faq/chicken-manure-management/) The parasites have a lifecycle that require intermediary hosts and dampness. Control those and, in many (not all) cases, you can keep the worms at bay.

 

[jak2002003]

I have had my chickens for nearly 3 years and have never de wormed them.

They are all fat, healthy and laying lots of eggs.

However, if I thought some were skinny or I saw worms in the poop then I would worm them.