worming the flock?

[fdrhoads]

i think that my flock of egglaying hens have worms, yellow, loose poop.. after looking on the net, diatomaceous earth is recomended for a all around wormer. what are your thoughts ?

 

[coach723]

Two thoughts. 1. Verify if possible that you have a worm issue and what worm it is so you treat appropriately. See if you have a vet that will do a fecal float test for you. 2. DE is not effective for internal parasites. If you have them then you need to use a chemical wormer.
Valbazen and Safeguard will treat most types of worms. For tapeworm, medications containing praziquantel work best.

 

[Kiki]

DE is NOT a dewormer.
My advice is to not believe everything you read in the internet.
Worming Chickens—Medicines and Dosing Information
and you may find this interesting.
Mr. Neilsen studies worms for a living, notice his credentials.

https://thehorse.com/136694/diatomaceous-earths-deficiency/

 

[fdrhoads]

Two thoughts. 1. Verify if possible that you have a worm issue and what worm it is so you treat appropriately. See if you have a vet that will do a fecal float test for you. 2. DE is not effective for internal parasites. If you have them then you need to use a chemical wormer.
Valbazen and Safeguard will treat most types of worms. For tapeworm, medications containing praziquantel work best.

I took a sample to one of our local vets yesterday and it came back negative.. I am thankfull for that information. And maybe the yellow poop is from a few hens steeling our barn cats kibble?

 

[coach723]

Glad you were able to have the test done, there is no sense in treating for something that isn't there. Eating various things can certainly change the color and consistency of droppings, as can drinking more water in hot temps. If they seem fine otherwise, I'd just monitor them. Try to get them on chicken feed and fresh water only for a week or so and see if it clears up. If someone starts to look sick or 'off' you can look for a cause. Droppings are only one indicator of health (and sometimes a very good one), but the whole picture is also important. It's good to become familiar with what is normal in your flock and check it out when you see something odd. Here are a couple of links with info that may be helpful.
https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2016/03/all-about-chicken-poop-brown-black-and.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/whats-scoop-on-chicken-poop-digestive/

 

[fdrhoads]

Yep, i took the cats food out of reach for the hens, I want to thank you for your advise, and i'll keep a close eye on them for sure. I have a new crew of hens (60) just starting to lay and i sure didnt want to dump all the eggs for two weeks or so, if i had to worm them.