Worming with Horse Wormer

Date sort Score sort
I tried posting this on an older thread and then I found this one. This is a very helpful thread and maybe a better place for the question.
I found tapeworm segments (many) in one of my year-old layer's poop today - quite sure it is tapeworm, based on post and pictures - little mobile white flecks about the size of 1/4 grain of rice - move somewhat like a slug would. My hens have access to an irrigation ditch in their pasture, so I think they have many opportunities to eat slugs and maybe earthworms. Egg production has been declining when it should be peaking, and has dropped in half this last week, and one of my hens is lethargic (not the one who pooped tapeworms, though). Otherwise the birds look and act fine. Because of the egg drop and lethargic bird, I am inclined to use a dewormer at this point. They may be picking up other worms as well as the tapeworms. I have read on numerous sites that fenbendazole is not a treatment for tapeworm, but the following site suggests that it is for the common species of tapeworm in poultry.

http://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2512&Itemid=2785

I know it is not officially approved for poultry, but it is considered very safe for the birds by most people. Does that mean that I could never legally sell the eggs, if I use it? I know there is a 2 week withdrawl period.
 
debp said:
I tried posting this on an older thread and then I found this one. This is a very helpful thread and maybe a better place for the question.
I found tapeworm segments (many) in one of my year-old layer's poop today - quite sure it is tapeworm, based on post and pictures - little mobile white flecks about the size of 1/4 grain of rice - move somewhat like a slug would. My hens have access to an irrigation ditch in their pasture, so I think they have many opportunities to eat slugs and maybe earthworms. Egg production has been declining when it should be peaking, and has dropped in half this last week, and one of my hens is lethargic (not the one who pooped tapeworms, though). Otherwise the birds look and act fine. Because of the egg drop and lethargic bird, I am inclined to use a dewormer at this point. They may be picking up other worms as well as the tapeworms. I have read on numerous sites that fenbendazole is not a treatment for tapeworm, but the following site suggests that it is for the common species of tapeworm in poultry.

http://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2512&Itemid=2785

I know it is not officially approved for poultry, but it is considered very safe for the birds by most people. Does that mean that I could never legally sell the eggs, if I use it? I know there is a 2 week withdrawl period.
Click to expand...

I can tell you from personal experience that fenbendazole will not treat tapeworms. I recommend that you use zimectrin gold equine paste wormer, give a pea size amount orally to each chicken and repeat dosing again in 10 days.
I see no reason why you couldnt sell eggs after a withdrawal period.
 
Thanks. I will look into that drug. I wonder if it is a broad spectrum, killing other worms, too. From what I've read some forms of tapeworms are treated successfully with fenbendazole. DoesI guess I have gotten the impression from some posts that if you are using a drug off label, legally you can't sell them. But, I'll bet each state's cottage food laws vary on that.
 
Very informative discussion. I lean toward using a paste for ease of administration and this info was what I have been looking for.

I am a country girl but new to the chicken world. I have young chickens hatched in late March. Preventive now? Or wait until they start laying? Or later, next year? They are not free ranging yet but in an enclosed run. I raise mini Aussies and I am very proactive on my pups and would like to be the same on the chickens.
 
casportpony said:
I don't recommend this, but I have actually given 100mg (1ml) to a 2.2 pound chicken for 5 days in a row and seen no ill effects, but the blood in her poop did go away, although that could be because she also got treated with a Corid drench for five days.

-Kathy
Click to expand...
I guess what you gave was exactly twice the recommended dose. I have read that fenbendazole is so safe that you could give 100X the recommended dose and it would be safe (not recommended though!). I am not sure why people recommend a pea sized amount. A medium pea (0.25 ml) would only be enough to provide the lowest dose of 10 mg/ Kg. At the dose of 50 mg/Kg (22.7 mg/lb), which is at the higher end of the recommended range of 10-50 mg/Kg, and is required for killing some worms besides roundworms, I calculate that a 5 lb chicken would get 113.5 mg, which equals 1.14 ml. That is the dose I use. I would like your opinion on dose and on whether to repeat for 3 days or repeat in 10 days. What do you think? Thanks!
 

Similar threads

DeeAnn5
flagyl for bumble foot
Replies
9
Views
981
Eggcessive
Eggcessive
S
Open mouth breathing, treated with dewormer, now lethargic
Replies
2
Views
623
SlvrScrl79
S
R
    • Love
TREATING CHICKEN x 10+ DAYS STILL SNEEZING & respiratory rattles WHAT TO DO?
Replies
1
Views
891
Debbie292d
Debbie292d
RoyalChick
    • Like
Fenbendazole dosing (again)
2 3
Replies
20
Views
5K
my8hens
my8hens
AmyJane725
Help Understanding Supplement Dosage
Replies
1
Views
327
AmyJane725
AmyJane725

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom