Should I also deworm my chickens?
Chickens can become infected with worms through contaminated droppings from newly purchased chickens or wild birds. This droppings are eaten by insects, and the infected insect is then eaten by the chicken. Since many chickens have an outdoor coop and insects can easily get inside, there is always a chance of infection. But can you also deworm chickens preventively?
Worms
22 April '22 • 1 min reading time
Preventive Deworming Not Possible
Preventive deworming of chickens with deworming agents is not possible. A chemical deworming agent (anthelmintics) not only kills the worms but also good bacteria in the intestines. As a result, worm-free chickens become much more susceptible to a worm infection and/or coccidiosis. This is because the natural resistance of the chicken to worms decreases. Therefore, it is not recommended to give preventive deworming agents to chickens without fecal examination.
Optimizing Natural Resistance is Possible
It is indeed possible to increase the natural resistance of the intestines, making it more difficult for worm eggs and oocysts to settle. The result is that worms are expelled again with the feces. Optimizing natural resistance can be achieved with a supplement that combines curcuma, artemisia, thymus, and allium. This is based on herbs and essential oils and is therefore not a chemical deworming agent. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for preventing worms in chickens.
Preventing Worms in Chickens
It is always good to take measures to prevent worms in chickens. Often, a chicken only shows symptoms when the infection is already significant. Symptoms include sitting puffed up, weight loss, bloody diarrhea, pale combs, and reduced condition. By taking the following measures, you can reduce the risk of a worm infection: Keep the chicken coop and bedding dry, regularly replace the bedding, provide feed in containers and do not scatter it on the ground, limit insects, optimize natural gut health with a natural product.
Conclusion
Preventive deworming without fecal testing is not recommended as it actually increases the risk of infection. However, it is possible to enhance the natural resistance to worms in the intestines. Additionally, apply the aforementioned measures to ensure that the risk of worms is minimized.
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