Deworming Hens Without Worms?

[TheChickenLady1]

Hello all!

Recently, my poor hen, Onyx, died of an impacted crop. However, at the vet, the doctor said that she might have also had worms. We didn't run any tests because I thought it would be silly to test a dead bird (I'd instead test my only other hen, Lacey) but is it safe to assume that Lacey would have worms if Onyx did? I haven't gotten her tested yet but tomorrow I'm getting another hen or two to keep her company. I won't be able to actually test Lacey until next week. If I decide to treat Lacey with a dewormer in her water, should I do it separately from my new girls? Can it harm them if I give them dewormer while they don't have worms? Am I able to give Lacey a dewormer right now, even though it's not confirmed that she has worms?

Also, is there a huge difference between VetRx and Safeguard? I'm not sure which to use because I hear that VetRx is a preventative whereas Safeguard is a real dewormer. Should I always be putting VetRx in their water no matter what?

Sorry about all my questions, I'm not very well versed in the world of deworming!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Hey there will not harm them but you would not want to eat any eggs they might lay

 

[TheChickenLady1]

How long should I wait before eating their eggs again?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Recently, my poor hen, Onyx, died of an impacted crop. However, at the vet, the doctor said that she might have also had worms. We didn't run any tests because I thought it would be silly to test a dead bird (I'd instead test my only other hen, Lacey) but is it safe to assume that Lacey would have worms if Onyx did?

Also, is there a huge difference between VetRx and Safeguard? I'm not sure which to use because I hear that VetRx is a preventative whereas Safeguard is a real dewormer.

I'm sorry for your loss.

You may actually want to wait until you get the new hen as well and take a mixed poop sample to your vet for testing, this way you know if the hens have worms or not - no need to treat if there's not worms. Also knowing what type of worms (if they have any) is a good idea so you can treat them properly (with the right dosing and/or medication).

VetRx is a "remedy" commonly used for respiratory symptoms - it would be similar to Vicks VaporRub for humans. It's not a dewormer or preventative.
Safeguard (Fenbendazole) is a dewormer. Dosing is by the pound and duration is according to what type of worm(s) you are wanting to treat.