Poultry Worms

[italiastar]

After a problem free few months, we've just discovered that our chickens have worms - my wife saw some white ones wriggling in their poo.

Firstly are the eggs safe to eat whilst they have worms?

Secondly, how should I treat it - I've seen a natural powder, or VermX. Any advice would be greatfully recieved.

Thank you

[RichmondHens]

You need a wormer called Flubenvet, available on line, through your vet or through most agricultural merchants. It is the most effective. Verm X is a natural preparation made of herbs that only works as a preventative so you could use it following worming with Flubenvet but to be honest I don't think it is worth it. You need to use Flubenvet for 7 consecutive days (it is a white powder mixed in with the feed) and all chickens should be wormed 3 - 4 times a year. It is safe to eat the eggs while worming the chickens and also safe to eat them even though your chickens currently have worms - but I'm sure your eggs will taste much better when the chickens have been wormed and are feeling healthier!

If you can tie in the worming with moving the hens to a fresh patch of ground this will also reduce the build up of worm eggs in the ground.