Natural Controls for Parasites

[bluelacedredhead]

http://www.eap.mcgill.ca/Publications/EAP70.htm

[Falling Tree Farm]

My feeling about this is that we should use any natural or medical controls very sparingly and carefully.  Over the past 6 years I have not medicated my Nankins except in two instances; first to treat a case of scaley leg mites and secondly to treat for a mild case of mites.  In each case I treated each bird once with Ivomec and the problem has never reoccurred.  (I keep a closed flock and any new birds are quarantined).
What you use and how much probably has alot to do with where you live-I am in upstate New York and winter's cold helps keep some problems in check.  I am not critical of those who need to treat more often but I do think that good treatment should depend on a definite diagnosis and a treatment that has a proven effectiveness.  I have seen too many so called 'natural remedies' over the years that simply did not work as advertized.

[cuban]

I read most of the article. However, though they do have some of the same parasites; it should be recognized that CRAP-EATERS such as chickens and dogs have internal parasites that are different from other livestock: particularly cattle and sheep.

In other words, unless left in a cage all their lives, chickens (and dogs) are going to eat crap. So, regardless of your management practises you are going to have to deal with the results one way or another. "Natural" sounds great but, it must be remembered that "natural" items are just chemicals in a nice package. The trouble is you just don't know how much to give!  That said, I do use some natural products that I have learned how to handle from experience or from others such as tobacco and ground cayene pepper.

I try not to medicate but, I do use a chemical wormer and have used oxytetracyline when I deemed it necessary.
Most if the time I just use and AX; it is cheaper and far more effective.
cuban

["Special K"]

I use Ivomec as well, approx. twice yearly.  I also like DE - for dusting and in feed.  It always seems to be a hot button issue.  Is it natural?? I'm not sure, but as far as I can tell - it's supposed to be.

K

[Mary Ann Harley]

I use ivermectin sometimes.  I also use DE.  No problems with parasites here.

Blinky