Chickens losing weight!! Breast bones protruding!!

[casportpony]

Regarding my last post... Yes, fenbendazole (Safeguard) is the safer drug for many species, but I still think it is probably the better choice for poultry owners because it does treat many worms more effectively in a single dose.

This thread has a bunch of worming studies if anyone is interested:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/worming-studies-and-references.1053454/

Edited to add:
My Safeguard (fenbendazole) bottle is almost empty. Next bottle of de-wormer will be Valbazen (albendazole).

 

[BeanTater]

Are your chickens molting right now too?

Worming Chickens––Medicines and Dosing

Yes

 

[BeanTater]

I can’t tell y’all how thankful I am for your input! I’ll let you know how I fare. This is an awesome forum Witt active members... I’m filled with gratitude.

 

[casportpony]

Yes

Since they are molting, you should know that both Safeguard and Valbazen can cause feather damage, so keep that in mind. Damage is rare, and next molt new feathers will be fine.

"fenbendazole- a useful drug, has the disadvantage that it and other drugs in the same group cannot be used during moulting otherwise a ‘fret mark’ will form in the feathers that were growing at the time of treatment."
Source: http://www.auspigeonco.com.au/Articles/Race_Form_Part3.html

There are many posts that say Valbazen will not cause feather damage, but none of those posts are from vets. The vets I have spoken with recommend not using either drug during molt if possible.

Peafowl breeders have not noticed feather damage when used during molt, and I haven't noticed it in my chickens or ducks either.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/safeguard-and-feather-damage-while-molting.926738/

 

[Kiki]

When chickens molt they tend to eat a little less and they may just "look" skinnier.

I would not worm them right now.
Why don't you collect some fresh poop and have it tested for worms right now instead of just straight worming them.

You can contact local vets to se if they will test the poop for you, even if they do not see chicken patients.
If not...your state vet will test it.
If you tell me which state you are in I will post a link to your state vet's office.

 

[chonsey]

Valbazen will kill all parasites, including tapeworm. I'd treat them right away, tapeworms will make them skinny fast. Can't eat the hens eggs for @20 days. Duramax girl posted a recipe on this website to keep parasites at bay once you eliminate them.

 

[casportpony]

Valbazen will kill all parasites, including tapeworm.

It doesn't always work on tapes. Some people get lucky, but many others have to switch to praziquantel.

 

[chonsey]

Wow! Didn't know they used praziquantel on poultry.

 

[casportpony]

Wow! Didn't know they used praziquantel on poultry.

Most people use the ivermectin/praziquantel horse paste, but there is another product called Wormout Gel that has praziquantel and oxfendazole.

Note that in the US there are no "approved" de-wormers for chickens, so all de-wormers do require a withdrawal time.

 

[micstrachan]

This thread is a great resource. Is there a way for me to mark it to save for reference later? Thanks @casportpony especially, for your posts!