POULTRY ¶sites
Chickens, ducks & game birds are essential and much loved members of the small holding.
But it often feels like everything is out to get them!
From Mr Fox to red-mites - being a poultry keeper can be a heart breaking roller-coaster.
There are lots of worms trying to infect your flock - but with regular poo-checks you can keep them safe.
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Recommended WEC testing frequency: 3 times per year
Highest risk periods: POL, after heavy rain
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Poultry Test: £8.50, up to 5 named samples
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ASCARIDS
aka the Large Roundworm Nematodes:
Ascaridia Galli (all poultry) &
Ascaridia dissimilis (turkeys)
SYMPTOMS
Large, thick white worms, up to 12cm long
Diarrhoea
Lethargy
Poor body condition
Slow growth rate
Death
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The turkey worm migrates through the liver - causing liver disease
HAIRWORMS
aka Capillaria:
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SYMPTOMS
Small thread-like worms - barely visible to the eye
Diarrhoea
Weight loss
Depression
Death
tapeworm
aka the Cestodes:
Davainea, Raillietina
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SYMPTOMS
Look horrible when wriggling out - but surprisingly harmless!
Heavy burdens in Chicks causes:
Anorexia
Reduced gut motility
Poor growth rate
coccidia
aka Coccidiosis:
Eimeria
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SYMPTOMS
Diarrhoea (often pasty)
Blood & mucus in faeces
Skinny & weak
Abdominal Pain
Permanent gut damage
Reduced egg production
Death in chicks
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Healthy adults will often have coccidia in their faeces - interpret positive samples with care before using a coccidiostat
HETERAKIS
aka Heterakis gallinarium:
the caecal worm
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SYMPTOMS
15cm worm which causes little damage itself, but transmits:
HISTOMONAS: 'BLACKHEAD'
Turkeys & game birds
Listless
Droopy wings
Unkempt feathers
Yellow diarrhoea
Death
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Heterakis isolonche is highly pathogenic in pheasants, causing up to 50% mortality
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GIZZARD WORM
Amidostomum anseris
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SYMPTOMS:
Slim reddish worms, lives in the gizzard
mainly game birds:
Depression
Anaemia
Stunted growth
Poor condition
Weight loss
GAPEWORM
Syngamus trachea
(Cyathostoma bronchialis in geese & ducks)
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SYMPTOMS
Particularly a problem in turkeys & pheasants, but any young bird can be affected
Dyspnoea (laboured breahing)
Head shaking
Coughing
Anaemia
Emaciation
Weakness
Asphyxiation
DUCK GIZZARD WORM
Amidostomum anseris
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SYMPTOMS
Ducks & other waterfowl
Listlessness
Weakness
Diarrhoea
Anaemia
Poor growth rate
Mainly affects chicks, but adults can be affected
Worming Treatment Options
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Always ​keep a precise record of dates of administration and batch numbers
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POM-V products require a vet prescription, POM-VPS are obtained from a licensed pharmacist (eg online) who will ask some relevant questions
controltips
Good parasite control is about more than using a drug every 3 months,
you can reduce risk & use of anthelminthic drugs:
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Avoid previously flooded grazing
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Reduce mud - eg. add gravel around pop-holes
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Always use a feeder, avoid scattering feed on floor
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Keep grass short to increase sunlight on the earth
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Rotational graze if possible
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Ensure new animals have a clear faeces check
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Be fastidious with food & water bowl cleanliness
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Follow our Small Holding at Orlestone Farm for 'Worm of the week' and 'Plant of the week' tips: