Worming

[Kirkland1610]

At what age do I need to start worming my chickens. Mine close to five months old.
Also recommended wormer and frequency to use.
Thanks so much
Kirkland

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there.

I never just worm my birds because so and so said I need to be on a schedule. Instead I have a group fecal float done at the vet to determine IF I have a parasite load, how heavy it is and what species... this ensures I'm not wasting time, energy, or $ treating what I don't have while maybe not treating what I do. It also ensures I'm not exposing my birds to extra poison for no reason and not withholding eggs without cause.

Your parasite load may vary according to season, or not. It's also effected by your stock load, wild life load, husbandry practices, and soil type. Getting a fecal done once or twice per year and see where ya stand is my best suggestion. If you discover you do need to treat, then maybe work up a schedule.

FWIW... I saw signs lots of folks claim to be definitely worms... such as my dog scooting it's bum or a chicken with muddy bum. After testing, turns out it's a sign my dogs but itched and that hen just didn't squat well enough or something else... after several testings... they keep coming back negative... no need to treat. for me even 10 years later.

I would make sure and check for external parasites, using a flashlight and part feathers below vent and on abdomen and look for things running away. Night time gives a much better picture than daytime inspection.

Adding your general location to your profile can help peeps make the best suggestions possible at a glance. If you don't have a vet that will run a fecal, there are several mail in options that may also be more affordable.

Hope this is informative and helpful, even though it wasn't the answer you were looking for.

 

[Shadrach]

What she above said.
Seriously, that is good advice above.

 

[Kirkland1610]

Thanks. I’m in Georgia. Just trying to be cautious.