Can I worm while they molt?

[gritsar]

Or would it be too much for their little bodies?
I wasn't planning on worming again until November, which is when I wormed last year. Still, if my egg production is going to be down while they molt, I figure it would be less eggs to throw away while worming.

 

[Preservation Acres]

I sure hope so. I wormed mine today, and they're starting to molt.

 

[redhen]

Good question!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Well I look to you for answers my dear redhen, so??????

 

[Year of the Rooster]

You'd think that getting rid of parasites would help relieve them, right?

I would like to know too.

 

[gritsar]

Well, I just talked to my DH on the phone. I told him my plan and he strongly advised against worming and molting at the same time. He said it's too hard on their bodies. His family raised chickens commercially for many years, so I tend to heed his advice.
We have to make a trip to the vet soon to pick up the puppy's regimen of heartguard. I may just take a poo sample with me.

 

[threehorses]

You can, but it's best not to. I would do as you plan - get a "fecal egg count", though - not just a 'fecal'. Make sure please that you specify that you want the egg count. A "fecal" for poultry is nearly useless - but the FEC is wonderful and quite accurate.

Incidentally, it won't kill birds, but if you use fenbendazole while they're molting it can affect the way they feather.

My personal believe is to use a lighter wormer anyway if you don't know the parasite load. (Wazine/piperazine). That way you don't risk stress, shock, or death from expelled paralyzed/killed worms. Then go back and follow up (in birds over 4 months old) with fenbendazole (wormazole), or pour-on ivermectin 5%. That way you kill both the adults and larva and stop the cycle for a bit. Keeping the premises dry, sandy, helps to reduce infestations a bit, too.

 

[gritsar]

I've never heard of the wormazole?
I have almost a full bottle of albendazole (Valbazen) leftover after worming them last November. It doesn't expire until 2011. I was going to use that, if indeed I do worm.

 

[gritsar]

Okay, I just looked up wormazole. It's says it's in the benzimidazole class. So is albendazole, so I'm assuming they are close enough to not make a difference which of the two I use.

 

[threehorses]

valbazan is great stuff. It's a good product.