Are herbal products the same as wormers?
No. Wormers are licensed veterinary medicines, which are proven to treat worms e.g. Flubenvet. You should always speak to a Vet or (SQP) suitably qualified person before treating your chickens. Herbal products such as Nettex Herbal Gut Conditioner can be used alongside a licensed wormer to help restore a healthy gut flora following treatment for worms.
Can I use herbal products to treat worms in my chickens?
When it comes to worming chickens the bottom line is that only licensed wormers are proven to treat worms. You must purchase this type of product from a vet or (SQP) suitably qualified person. However, Herbal products such as Nettex Herbal Gut Conditioner can be used alongside worming treatments to help support and restore a healthy gut post treatment.
Do chickens get worms?
The simple answer is YES! Chickens are extremely likely to get worms at some point in their life and the effects of these worms could mean life or death for your flock. There are four types of worms that can live in chickens.
1. Roundworm which are large and can grow up to 7cm, these inhabit within the intestine.
2. Capillaria worms which are smaller and also effect the intestine.
3. Gape Worm which can affect the upper airway.
4. Cecal Worms which inhabit the cecum.
How can I prevent the risk of worms?
Hygiene is imperative when tackling worms. You should clean your coop and run weekly and dispose of any old bedding properly to stop any eggs from re-entering the environment. Use Nettex Virocur DEFRA Approved Disinfectant to clean the coop and Nettex Ground and Bedding Sanitising Powder to help clear the ground and bedding of any worm eggs and bacteria. It is also recommended that you partake in a faecal egg count quarterly to keep on top of any possible outbreak of worms.
How do I treat my chickens for worms?
Advice on worming should always be sought from a vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) at the point of purchase. However, as a guide you should undertake a worm egg count quarterly and if needed, worm your flock using a licensed wormer or a medicated wormer premix. Worming is a stressful time for your chickens and using Nettex Herbal Gut conditioner at this time, helps to support healthy gut flora and the digestive system. Intestinal worm eggs are always present in the environment and in wild bird droppings, therefore it is important to treat the ground as well as the chickens to minimise the risk. Once you have treated your chickens, clear the run of litter and sprinkle the base with Nettex Ground and Bedding Sanitising Powder. This will help clear the ground of worm eggs and bacteria before you lay clean litter, and helps maintain a low risk environment for poultry. Nettex Ground and Bedding Sanitising Powder also helps absorb moisture and the odour of faeces and organic matter, reducing the risk they pose to flock health. For best hygiene practice, drinkers and feeders should be cleaned weekly with Poultry Sanitiser and Egg Wash. This sanitiser is ideal for cleaning all poultry equipment and egg washing.
How often should I use a faecal worm egg count?
When it comes to faecal egg counts there is divided opinion among chicken owners. Some flock owners partake in a faecal egg count as and when signs of possible worm related issues arise but most prefer to do a regular worm egg count quarterly to keep on top of any potential worm issues before they cause any health issues or even death within the flock.
How will I know if my chickens have worms?
Intestinal worm eggs are found in the grass in wild bird droppings, they are then eaten by our free ranging chickens, where the eggs start to hatch and populate their intestines. Signs of worms can include: diarrhoea, weight loss, lack of egg production and physical worms in their poop. If your flock have Gapeworm you may notice your chickens continuously stretching their necks.
Should I be giving my chickens preventative worm treatment?
Advice on worming should always be sought from a vet or suitably qualified person (SQP) at the point of purchase. Worms cannot be prevented, however, Nettex Ground and Bedding Sanitising Powder – a highly absorbent sanitising powder for use in poultry housing – coops and runs – can be used to clear the ground of worm eggs and bacteria, and you can check whether your flock need worming by undertaking worm egg counts regularly and if needed, worm your flock using a licensed wormer or a medicated wormer premix.
Should I use a faecal worm egg count?
If you have concerns about worms within the flock a faecal egg count is a great way to confirm if your chickens have an infestation or not. If the egg count indicates that worms are present then you can treat your chickens with a licensed wormer. Worm egg counts will ensure you only treat your chickens when they have an infestation, removing the need to worm on an ad-hoc basis. Some flock owners undertake a worm egg count when a concern arises but most prefer to do quarterly worm egg counts to keep on top of any potential worm issues before they cause serious health issues or even death. You can choose to test individual chickens or you can provide a mixed sample from a flock of up to 10/15 chickens. You might want to consider testing your flock pre winter to ensure they are worm free before the winter months and also new arrivals before they mix with the rest of your flock.
What are the signs and symptoms of worms in chickens?
Intestinal worm eggs are found in grass in wild bird droppings, they are then eaten by our free ranging chickens, where the worm eggs start to hatch and populate their intestines. Signs of worms can include: diarrhoea, weight loss, lack of egg production and physical worms in their poop. If your flock have Gapeworm you may notice your birds continuously stretching their necks.
What kind of worms do chickens get?
There are four types of worms that can live in chickens.
1. Roundworm which are large and can grow up to 7cm, these inhabit within the intestine.
2. Capillaria worms which are smaller and also affect the intestine.
3. Gapeworm which can affect the upper airway.
4. Cecal Worms which inhabits the cecum.