Worming

[broodymomma]

Hey, I was reading some old posts about worming and not sure I quite understand. I did see some worms in a poop when cleaning up in the coop and wondering if I should be worming. Does anyone do this and how often? I really don't treat my chickens with anything. Just try to let them free range as much as possible and provide them with good feed, snacks (black oil sunflower seeds; treats of oatmeal snacks, lots of left overs, meal worms, flax seed) and LOTS of fresh water. Thanks for any advice.

Debi

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Debi, are you sure that what you saw were worms or maggots? Flies will lay eggs in fresh poop...

 

[broodymomma]

Well, not really sure. They were white skinny things and moved like a worm, and I just assumed they were worms. I know maggots look like short fat worms, unfortunately, I have seen them in the summer on the garbage Would they look and be the same?

 

[Judy]

Maybe this will help

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=457016&p=1

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I would imagine they would look the same. Unfortunately, from what I've read, once you see the worms in the poop, they may have a pretty good infestation. I'm going to leave it to someone with more experience to tell you the best thing to use, as I have not wormed mine other than to give them pumpkin guts and seeds. I understand the fresh seeds have some worming properties. Also, if you do a search on worming, you'll find lots of posts. It's a bit overwhelming, but the info is there.

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Quote:
That's a good thread! Especially the chart with the pictures. Gross, but good.