First time deworming

[Iriss Crazy Coop]

Hi all. We’ve had chickens for at least ten years now, and had gapeworms pop up a handful of times. In the past we’ve just been able to just keep them under control with diatomaceous earth, but they’ve gotten pretty bad over the last couple months, so we’re finally going to go ahead and deworm the flock.
What would people recommend as an effective flock dewormer? I’m not too worried about withdrawal times, just hoping to get this under control.

I know there are already threads regarding this but there was just so much info there that I wanted to post my own.

Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

What are the symptoms of the birds that you think have had gapeworms? Did any have sneezing, eye bubbles, nasal drainage, or swelling around the eyes or face. Have you ever had your vet look at some droppings under a microscope to confirm gapeworm?

Gapeworm is rare. Respiratory diseases may look like gapeworm, since they may cause gasping. Since gapeworm causes severe respiratory distress, birds with it cannot eat or drink, and would require medicinal wormers. Fenbendazole 10%, Panacur, SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer are ones that may treat gapeworm.

DE will not treat gapeworm. If I suspected it, I would give Safeguard liquid goat wormer, 1/4 ml per pound given orally for 5 consecutive days. If you lose a bird where gapeworm is suspected, I would dissect the tracheal airway after death to look for red Y-shaped worms.