The Poultry Keeper

abbi · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

Morning,
my last query was about 'red blobs in poo'. Well since that I've had some samples analysed by the vet who thankfully found no coccidiosis and no evidence of worms, but high levels of bacteria. The red blobs turned out to be small pieces of intestinal lining. She prescribed a course of antibiotics which I wasn't entirely happy about as I wondered if bio yogurt might resume the hen's natural bacterial levels. She explained that this would certainly help maintain balance while the hen was on the antibiotics, but would not resolve the red blobs problem.
I have now discovered some white worms in some reddish poo. They are about 4- 6cm long, white and slim and look like young earthworms.
Any ideas as to what the worms might be?
Does anyone use any tried and tested traditional remedies for common ailments and parasites?

Bhindi · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 2:03 pm Post subject:

I give grated carrots and crushed pumpkin seed into a yoghurt mix, and occasionly add garlic in this. I am not seeing any worms in my girls, but I know I ought to get a sample checked eventually. Also I give apple cider vinegar which most of us here use monthly, that is also probably helping keep worms at bay. I don't want to use any chemicals if I can avoid it!

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

diatom is also good for chickens who have worms ~ that's a natural substance so shouldn't interfere with the antibiotics.

abbi · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 10

Hi thanks for the advice, i have ordered some diatom and cyder vinegar now and will certainly try the carrots, yoghurt, crushed pumpkin and garlic from to time. Think they'll love eating that anyway!

Does anyone use the diatom to get rid of worms or is it just used to keep them at bay?

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

I got the diatom because it was good against red mite, but then it was mentioned that it could be useful against worms ~ I thought that was an extra bonus, so bought some. Sorry I can't be more scientific than that.