5 COMMON MISTAKES POULTRY FARMERS MAKE WHEN USING DEWORMING MEDICATIONS

5 COMMON MISTAKES POULTRY FARMERS MAKE WHEN USING DEWORMING MEDICATIONS

1. Deworming without signs or schedule:
Many farmers just wake up one morning and say, “Let me deworm these birds today,” even when there’s no sign or plan. But deworming is not guesswork. Overusing it like that can weaken the birds or cause resistance.

Only deworm when it’s necessary or as part of a good schedule under guidance. If you see signs like weight loss, pale combs, or worms in droppings, then it might be time to act.

2. Using the wrong deworming medication:
All dewormers are not the same. There’s a time to use a levamisole-based medication, and there’s a time for piperazine-based ones. But some farmers use the same one every time, even when it’s not effective for that type of worm.
If you’re not sure what to use, talk to a vet or poultry expert. Using the wrong medication can waste your money and harm your birds.

3. Not starving birds before deworming:
Some farmers pour medication inside full bellies. When you do that, the drug won’t work well. The worms won’t come out, and the birds will still be weak.
Before you deworm, starve the birds for a few hours so that the medication can work better and the worms will be properly expelled.

4. Mixing dewormers with other medications anyhow
Some people mix dewormers with antibiotics, vitamins, or even vaccines. It’s like pouring everything into the water and hoping for a miracle. But this can make the dewormer less effective or even damage the birds’ organs.
Don’t combine medications unless a vet or poultry consultant tells you it’s safe. Some mixtures can cause more harm than good.

5. Not observing withdrawal period.
Some farmers deworm their layers and still collect and sell the eggs the next day. That is risky. Many medications leave residues that remain in the egg or meat for some days.
Warning: After deworming, wait for the appropriate number of days before selling eggs or processing birds for consumption. It is not just about money — people’s health is involved.

If you’ve made any of these mistakes before, don’t beat yourself up. We’ve all been there. What matters now is that you learn and do better.