Best Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens? (An Ultimate Guide!)
When it comes to raising laying hens, maintaining their health is a top priority.
One common issue that chicken owners face is worm infestations, which can lead to a variety of health problems for the birds.
To prevent this, it’s important to use a chicken wormer that is effective and safe for laying hens. So,
Best Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens?
There are several options available for chicken wormers, but not all of them are suitable for laying hens. Some wormers may contain ingredients that can negatively impact egg production or even harm the birds themselves. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a wormer that is specifically designed for laying hens and has been tested for safety and efficacy.
In this article, we will explore some of the best chicken wormers for laying hens on the market, and provide information on what to look for when selecting a wormer for your flock.
Why Worming is Important?
Worming is an essential aspect of keeping laying hens healthy and productive.
Worms are parasitic organisms that live in the digestive system of chickens and can cause a range of health problems if left untreated.
Some of these problems include decreased egg production, weight loss, lethargy, and even death.
There are several types of worms that can affect chickens, including roundworms, tapeworms, and cecal worms.
These worms are typically picked up by chickens when they come into contact with contaminated soil, water, or feces.
Once inside the chicken, the worms can lay eggs and multiply, leading to an infestation.
Regular worming helps to prevent infestations and keep chickens healthy.
It is recommended to worm chickens at least twice a year, or more often if there are signs of an infestation.
Signs of an infestation include diarrhea, weight loss, and poor egg production.
There are several different types of chicken wormers available, including medicated feed, water-soluble wormers, and paste wormers.
The type of wormer used will depend on the severity of the infestation and the preferences of the chicken owner.
In addition to regular worming, it is important to practice good hygiene and sanitation in the chicken coop.
This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting the coop, providing clean water and feed, and avoiding overcrowding.
Overall, worming is an important aspect of keeping laying hens healthy and productive.
By taking preventative measures and regularly worming chickens, owners can help to prevent infestations and keep their birds healthy and happy.
Best Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens? (Everything You Need to Know!)
Some common chicken wormers and their active ingredients:
| Wormer | Active Ingredient | Dosage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wazine | Piperazine | 1 oz per gallon of water | Administer for 24 hours, repeat every 30 days |
| SafeGuard | Fenbendazole | 1/4 tsp per 5 lbs of feed | Administer for 7 consecutive days, repeat every 30-60 days |
| Valbazen | Albendazole | 1/2 tsp per 5 lbs of feed | Administer for 7 consecutive days, repeat every 30-60 days |
| Aviverm | Ivermectin | 1/4 tsp per 5 lbs of feed | Administer for 7 consecutive days, repeat every 30-60 days |
| Corid | Amprolium | 1.5 tsp per gallon of water | Administer for 5-7 days during outbreak, can be used as a preventative measure |
It’s important to note that you should always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your chickens.
They can help you determine the best course of action and dosage for your specific flock.
Types of Chicken Wormers:
There are two main types of chicken wormers:
chemical and herbal.
Each type of wormer has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Chemical Wormers:
Chemical wormers are the most common type of wormer used for chickens.
They are effective in treating and preventing a wide range of worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and gapeworms.
Chemical wormers are available in different forms, including powders, liquids, and tablets.
One of the advantages of chemical wormers is their effectiveness.
They work quickly and can eliminate worms in a short period of time. However, they can also have some negative effects on chickens.
Chemical wormers can be toxic if not used correctly, and they can also build up in the chicken’s system over time.
Herbal Wormers:
Herbal wormers are a natural alternative to chemical wormers.
They are made from a combination of herbs and other natural ingredients, and they are designed to eliminate worms without causing any harm to the chicken.
One of the advantages of herbal wormers is that they are safe and non-toxic.
They are also easy to administer and can be added to the chicken’s feed or water.
However, they may not be as effective as chemical wormers, and they may take longer to work.
Overall, both types of wormers have their own advantages and disadvantages.
It is important to choose the right wormer for your chickens based on their individual needs and the type of worms they are dealing with.
What dewormer for egg laying chickens?
When it comes to deworming egg-laying chickens, there are several options available.
Deworming is important to keep your chickens healthy and productive, as worms can cause a variety of problems such as weight loss, decreased egg production, and even death if left untreated.
Here are some of the most common dewormers for egg-laying chickens:
- Wazine (Piperazine): Wazine is a common dewormer that is effective against roundworms. It is available in liquid form and is added to the chickens’ drinking water. The dosage is 1 oz per gallon of water, and it should be administered for 24 hours. Repeat every 30 days.
- SafeGuard (Fenbendazole): SafeGuard is a broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against several types of worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and capillary worms. It is available in powder form and is mixed with the chickens’ feed. The dosage is 1/4 tsp per 5 lbs of feed, and it should be administered for 7 consecutive days. Repeat every 30-60 days.
- Valbazen (Albendazole): Valbazen is another broad-spectrum dewormer that is effective against several types of worms, including roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. It is available in liquid form and is added to the chickens’ drinking water. The dosage is 1/2 tsp per 5 lbs of feed, and it should be administered for 7 consecutive days. Repeat every 30-60 days.
- Aviverm (Ivermectin): Aviverm is a dewormer that is effective against several types of worms, including roundworms and mites. It is available in powder form and is mixed with the chickens’ feed. The dosage is 1/4 tsp per 5 lbs of feed, and it should be administered for 7 consecutive days. Repeat every 30-60 days.
- Corid (Amprolium): Corid is a dewormer that is effective against coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease in chickens. It is available in liquid form and is added to the chickens’ drinking water. The dosage is 1.5 tsp per gallon of water, and it should be administered for 5-7 days during an outbreak. It can also be used as a preventative measure.
Pros and Cons of Chicken Wormer:
Some of the pros and cons of common chicken wormers:
| Wormer | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wazine | – Effective against roundworms- Easy to administer via drinking water | – Not effective against other types of worms- May cause stress to chickens |
| SafeGuard | – Broad-spectrum dewormer- Effective against several types of worms- Easy to administer via feed | – May require multiple doses to fully eliminate worms- May cause some chickens to stop eating |
| Valbazen | – Broad-spectrum dewormer- Effective against several types of worms- Easy to administer via drinking water | – May require multiple doses to fully eliminate worms- Not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating hens |
| Aviverm | – Effective against several types of worms and mites- Easy to administer via feed | – May require multiple doses to fully eliminate worms- May cause some chickens to stop eating |
| Corid | – Effective against coccidiosis- Can be used as a preventative measure- Easy to administer via drinking water | – Not effective against other types of worms- May cause stress to chickens- Should not be used in conjunction with other dewormers |
It’s important to note that the pros and cons of each wormer may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of worms your chickens have.
Always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your chickens.
Conclusion: Best Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens?
The best chicken wormer for laying hens may depend on the specific type of worms that they have.
However, some of the most commonly used and effective dewormers for laying hens include SafeGuard, Valbazen, Aviverm, Wazine, and Corid.
It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action and dosage for your specific flock.
Additionally, it’s important to follow the recommended frequency of administration to ensure that the worms are fully eliminated and to prevent re-infestation.
