Betel nut (Bunga in Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Binunga in Cebuano/Bisaya) is a nut that comes from a plant called Areca. It is sometimes used to make medicine.
Betel nut is a very popular recreational drug in the Philippines, especially in Northern Luzon and Bicol Region due to its ability to speed up the central nervous system (CNS). The nut, however, is deadly for humans if consumed in large amounts (8 to 30 grams). Consuming betel nut together with betel leaves (buyo), lime, and tobacco is called “nganga”
In this article, however, we are going to explain how to use this important crop to deworm (purga) our chickens. There is already a comprehensive study regarding the effect of betel nut in killing tapeworms, however, it is not yet tested against other worms.
Tapeworm is the most common worm infecting chickens so it is better to battle them in order to ensure your chicken’s growth.
Using commercial drugs like Bastonero Plus, Volatex, and other deworming drugs is good only if you have a budget. If you have around 20 free-range chickens that need to get dewormed, the cost could add up if you buy commercial drugs. If betel nut is available around you then there is no need to spend extra money.
The process of deworming chickens using betel nut is pretty straightforward.
How and when to tell if you need to deworm your chicken?
Chickens usually get infected by tapeworms starting from 2 weeks up to 8 weeks especially if their feeders and waters are not properly cleaned. You can tell when the chicken has tapeworms by the looks of its feces or if the chicken has a thin body despite having a good appetite and stomach is always full. Chickens that have tapeworms or any other types of worms will never become fat or reach desirable weight despite eating a lot.
How to use betel nut to deworm your chicken
Regardless of age, you can administer deworming by giving the chicken a suitable amount of betel nut.
Before administering the deworming process, make sure your chickens are hungry and thirsty. The best time to do this is in the early morning before feeding time.
- Use only young betel nuts. Do not use old and ripe fruit as it is hard for the chicken to digest.
- Cut the whole fruits and take only the nut (the inside portion of the fruit)
- Chop the fruit in different sizes if you are deworming different chicken ages. You can cut the nut with a size as big as a regular capsule or half of it for younger chickens.
- For 2 months and older, give 3 to 4 capsule-size dosages.
- For 2 to 4 weeks old, give 2 half capsule-size.
- Serve them clean drinking water and do not feed them until noon.
- Repeat the process for 2 consecutive days.
Deworming is very important in maintaining our chickens’ health and doing it naturally added value to your products especially if you are selling organic chicken meat and eggs.
Related questions about chicken deworming
What is the best dewormer for chickens?
Fenbendazole is the only product that is currently approved for the treatment and control of roundworms (Ascaridia spp.) and cecal worms (Heterakis spp.) in chickens and turkeys in the United States.
Do I need to deworm my chickens?
Since more parasites survive, the potential for a worm overload in chickens increases, and therefore more aggressive parasite control and deworming measures are needed.
How often should you deworm chickens?
In terms of what the most effective methods for worming your chickens are, your safest bet is to go with a proper poultry wormer and apply that every three months as a preventative measure as you’d do with any other pet – it’s much better to stop worms rather than cure them!
How can you tell if a chicken has worms?
Symptoms of a worm infestation in chickens can include: worms in eggs, abnormal droppings, (diarrhea, foamy-looking, etc) weight loss, pale comb/wattles, listlessness, abnormal droppings, dirty vent feathers, worms in droppings or throat, gasping, head-stretching and shaking, reduced egg production and sudden death.
Does apple cider vinegar deworm chickens?
In addition to these valuable wellness benefits, apple cider vinegar for chickens is often used in an effort to prevent worms. Some worms can attack a chicken and cause it to become vulnerable rapidly. Apple Cider Vinegar’s low pH destroys germs and worms.
See Also:
- How to Cure Sipon and Halak without using Antibiotic
- How Long Do Hens Lay Eggs
- Chicken Vaccination and Preventive Medication Guide and Schedule
- Free Range vs Caged Chicken vs Organic Chicken
- Broody Hen: Everything You Need to Know