Worms? *gross picture*

[Wolfgang B.]

Are those worms and what should I do?

 

[K3nzi3]

It looks like worms to me. Maybe hookworm? Try going to your supply store and see if they sell meds for hookworms, or general de-worming meds. If not, a vet should be able to supply or you can probably order some online.

 

[coach723]

Those are roundworms, common in chickens. I don't know what is available where you are, but I generally use Valbazen (albendazole) or Safeguard liquid goat wormer (fenbendazole), and I would worm the whole flock.

 

[getaclue]

I agree with coach723.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

Thank you so far! I won't go to the vet because I'm not a fan of treating with chemicals. Does a natural product work? I'm from Germany and am leaning towards this product https://www.amazon.de/AniForte-Wurm...qid=1509042820&sr=8-1&keywords=wurmkur+hühner

Does that sound like something that could work?

 

[coach723]

I understand wanting to be all natural, but sometimes it just isn't effective. Since I can't read the German label I don't know what the ingredients are, so can't really say for that particular product. In my personal experience, herbals (which I am assuming it is) are fine for prevention and general health, but once they have a parasite infection they do not tend to be effective. When I first started with chickens I tried several herbal/natural products, with results that were not good and had some very sick birds, and lost one. I now use chemical wormers when necessary. And I, like many, try to NOT use medications unless really necessary. There are going to be those that tout herbals, pumpkin seeds, etc. and they are certainly entitled to their opinions, but I have not personally found them to be effective treatments for a bird carrying a parasite load. I have to treat several times a year for roundworms in my flock. In the US many of the worming meds are available over the counter for livestock & horses, and nearly all of them are used off-label for chickens. I don't know if that is the case in Germany or if you have different rules for them. This is a case in which if a vet is the only way to get them, then it's probably worth the trip. Just my humble opinion.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

I understand wanting to be all natural, but sometimes it just isn't effective. Since I can't read the German label I don't know what the ingredients are, so can't really say for that particular product. In my personal experience, herbals (which I am assuming it is) are fine for prevention and general health, but once they have a parasite infection they do not tend to be effective. When I first started with chickens I tried several herbal/natural products, with results that were not good and had some very sick birds, and lost one. I now use chemical wormers when necessary. And I, like many, try to NOT use medications unless really necessary. There are going to be those that tout herbals, pumpkin seeds, etc. and they are certainly entitled to their opinions, but I have not personally found them to be effective treatments for a bird carrying a parasite load. I have to treat several times a year for roundworms in my flock. In the US many of the worming meds are available over the counter for livestock & horses, and nearly all of them are used off-label for chickens. I don't know if that is the case in Germany or if you have different rules for them. This is a case in which if a vet is the only way to get them, then it's probably worth the trip. Just my humble opinion.

I think you actually convinced me, thanks for that! I will call somebody I know from our town who runs a chicken farm. He must have something against worms.

 

[getaclue]

I agree with coach. Natural is good as a preventative, as long as it works, but when it fails, go to a chemical wormer. It does not stay in them forever, and it does leave the system.

 

[Wolfgang B.]

This morning I called the vet who specifies on farm animals and he said when I treat them with chemical dewormer I will never be able to eat their eggs again.
So apparently I have 2 options: NEVER eat my hens' eggs again after the treatment or cull the entire flock now.
Somehow I have a hard time believing that man.
Or could he be right??

 

[andreanar]

I'm sorry, but that man gave you WRONG info. On some chemical wormers there is a period of time that you don't eat the eggs. That time depends on which product you use,
If you use Fenbendazole (safeguard/panacur), then you will throw the eggs away for 2 weeks after last treatment.