worms

[Tommy12241]

Ive been trying to figure out why my hens aren't laying for a few days now. I heard a lot about worms. Could they have worms but not have any noticeable effects from them? Theyre all normal weight and eat and drink regularly. The only thing off is that they dont lay. Some have watery poop but the majority dont. They all eat and forage normally too.

 

[Judy]

If it's just a few days it's likely the heat -- or they are hiding them, or a snake or something is getting them. Kind of depends on their age.

You could certainly try worming them. I worm mine at least once a year because I know it is "wormy" where I live. If it's wet where you are, it's likely also a worm prone area. I like Valbazen, but Safeguard is good, too. This is a good worming thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...o-still-seeing-live-worms-in-poo#post_9315842

 

[dawg53]

I agree with Flockwatcher. I worm my birds every 3 months, sometimes sooner. My hens recently slacked off laying eggs due to the excessive heat and humidity we're having. Liberally add cayenne pepper in their feed, that'll kickstart them into laying again if it isnt worms.

 

[Tommy12241]

Alright ill try it. Thanks. And the heat has been going on for a while now. They laid in this head before. Just in the last few weeks its started

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Alright ill try it. Thanks. And the heat has been going on for a while now. They laid in this head before. Just in the last few weeks its started

I worm every 6 months now.

 

[Tommy12241]

Whats a good wormer to use that wont make the eggs inedible?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Whats a good wormer to use that wont make the eggs inedible?

They have one in the UK but here all the wormers (chemical ones, anyway) are not approved for layers. So if you worm it's off-label if they are laying and folks toss eggs.

http://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/phi/PHI/ROUNDWORMS PHI Handout from Dr. Smith.pdf

The Wazine listed in the link only kills large roundworms.
http://healthybirds.umd.edu/Disease/Deworming Birds.pdf