Gapeworm in just 4 wk. old chicks?

jmc

Crowing
12 Years
Jul 22, 2008
1,588
11
254
South Central MA
P-RIR

one cockerel esp.

yes i have tossed them gapeworm 'carriers', such as slugs and earthworms (but those few are 'shared' by 32 chicks).

what makes me think gapeworm:
cockerel this pm stretching out neck and 'gaping' at the air and usually shaking head right after the gape, THOUGH NOT ALWAYS.

Any thoughts?

When warm enough i let them into a small outdoor area.

I find it odd though, at such a young age, and there are alot of birds that have to fight over those few 'carriers' i have tossed them.......

tx
 
My SS is gasping for air also. She has a very bad respitory infection/pnemounia. It's from her crop impacted with pine chips. I have her on antibiotics, probiotics and infant vitamins. I put her in the brooder with the heat lamp to keep her warm. I'm treating the rest of the flock with vitamins.

Perhaps your young one is coming down with a respitory infection? My SS is 5 weeks old.

I know for sure my maple doesn't have gapworm.
 
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Gurgling noises coming from the throat can be caused by gapeworm and can be confused with a respiratory infection. Chicks up to 8 weeks of age are particularily susceptable. Heavily infected birds can emit a grunting sound because of difficulty breathing and may die of suffocation. Here are 2 wormers that will kill gapeworms...do not exceed the dosage because the chicks innards are still in development. Safeguard (fenbendazole) liquid goat wormer dosage is given orally...for chicks only is 1/10cc, dose given to each chick individually. It can be administered with a small syringe without the needle.
Valbazen(albendazole) liquid cattle/sheep wormer dosage is given orally...for chicks only is 1/10cc, dose given to each chick individually. Again, administered with a small syringe without the needle.
If your feed store doesnt carry either product, both can be purchased from Jefferslivestock.com or call them.
 
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Both very good wormers, But a single dose of either is not effective for gapworms, repeated dosages are needed

Ditto, redose again in 10-14 days.
 

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