Gapeworm question

[Matilda Belle]

I’m almost positive one of my hens has gapeworms so I am treating her with safeguard. Do I really need to treat the entire flock if they are showing no symptoms?

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Why do you suspect she has gapeworm? It's actually a pretty uncommon parasite, and it's much more likely they have a respiratory disease. But that's not saying it isn't possible. What symptoms does she have? Can you actually see the worm in her throat?

 

[Matilda Belle]

@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive @casportpony

 

[Eggcessive]

Gapeworm is rare, although it can occur. most chickens with it usually cannot eat or drink because they are in so much distress trying to breathe. Respiratory diseases are more common. Aside from gaping, what symptos do you see? Any sneeze, watery or bubbles in eyes, nasal drainage, or facial swelling? Usually if one chicken has worms, most others do as well. A vet can look for gapeworm eggs in droppings. Gapeworm dosage is SafeGuard Liquid 1/4 ml per pound of weight given orally for 5 straight days.

 

[Matilda Belle]

Gapeworm is rare, although it can occur. most chickens with it usually cannot eat or drink because they are in so much distress trying to breathe. Respiratory diseases are more common. Aside from gaping, what symptos do you see? Any sneeze, watery or bubbles in eyes, nasal drainage, or facial swelling? Usually if one chicken has worms, most others do as well. A vet can look for gapeworm eggs in droppings. Gapeworm dosage is SafeGuard Liquid 1/4 ml per pound of weight given orally for 5 straight days.

She is stretching her neck out, shaking her head, and I can hear wheezing/rattling. No other symptoms that would indicate respiratory.

Would you recommend treating the entire flock even if they have no symptoms? Aren't worms ingested and not spread from bird to bird?

 

[FluffyButtBabies]

Worms are ingested, but still highly contagious. They can pass through sharing water, feed, and especially from the poop of an infected bird. If one bird has worms, you should always treat the entire flock (even if it's just as a preventative measure).