Worms...updates and questions

[77horses]

After we found out that our Red Star hens/pullets and RIR rooster have roundworms, we immediately started looking up info. The two brands that were recommended for us to use was Wazine and DE. So, we decided to get DE. Well, we still haven't gotten it because first I had to talk my dad into buying it because he was hesitant at first, since it was a 50 lb. bag. I told him that it can also be used on plants as a natural pesticide, and it can be used in coops and stalls. Plus it's a natural dewormer. So, finally he went to get it.
He called me back to ask how much to give to them. But first, I asked if he made sure that it said, "FOOD-GRADE" on it, and not "POOL-GRADE", because I read here from someone that the pool stuff has silica in it, which is poisonous. He said that it was for pools.

So I toldhim NOT to give it to the chickens!

He brought it back and told them that he needed FOOD-GRADE DE, bot the pool stuff. But then they said that you have to order it and then you go and pick it up(It's at our local paris farmer's union and they do the same thing with chicks...you place an order and wait for the chicks to arrive). So now we have to wait again!

But anyway, once we get the right DE, how much to we add to their food??? And how often or for what period of time do we add it???


Thanks!

 

[77horses]

once we get the right DE, how much to we add to their food??? And how often or for what period of time do we add it???

So if you don't really want to read my long update...

then these are the questions that I really need to be answered!

 

[Jenski]

First, how did you find out your flock had worms? Did you have fecal testing done? Did you find direct (yuck!) evidence of the worms in their droppings?

While I support the use of DE (diatomaceous earth) for external parasites -- and I have heard of its use as an internal parasite preventive through anecdotes on the forum -- I still have not read scientific studies proving its efficacy against an active case of internal poultry parasites. I would be hesitant, then, to use it on a flock that already has a case of roundworms.

Poultry roundworms may be treated with piperazine (brand name Wazine), which is easy to find at Tractor Supply, farm co-ops, McMurray online, etc. Below is a quote from the wonderful and experienced forum member Sammi back in 3/2008:

Quote:
Hope that helps. Please keep us posted, no matter which way you choose to treat. The info will help all of us. Good luck!


[Ed to add - I do welcome any posts from folks who have direct experience eliminating worms with DE.]

 

[77horses]

we saw the actual worms in one of the red star's droppings, and if one has it, then the rest probably do, too.

Here's a website about DE: http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth.html

I thought you could only order Wazine from online?

my dad saw another type of dewormer at the paris farmer's union, but he forgot what the name of it was.

Thanks!

 

[77horses]

Quoted from the website that I posted(above):
"Plus of course, it eliminates internal worms and parasites which will lower feed and vet bills and help prevent disease".

"Food grade DE eliminates roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within 7 days of being fed daily. Studies that advise this are on our DE FAQ page and elsewhere throughout the internet".

 

[77horses]

OK my dad just bought the food-grade DE! Yay!

Lets see how it works in the next week! Then we will see if it truly eliminates the worms after 60 days of using it.

(that's what I heard about it anyway)

 

[Jenski]

Glad you found what you are looking for. I look forward to hearing about your results, as I still have not read those studies.