Gapeworm.

[PNW_Peepers]

I’ve read so many different treatment methods for this. I have a cockerel who lost his crow about a week ago. A few days ago he started gaping every time he took a breath. He has normal fecal droppings, he’s acting completely normal aside from the loss of voice and the gaping. The rest of my flock is acting fine. I went ahead and treated everyone with equine safe guard paste last night to be safe. I’ve heard to wait ten days then repeat worming. I’ve also heard to worm for three days straight, then stop. What dosage is correct?

 

[Eggcessive]

To treat for gapeworm, the SafeGuard should be given for 3 days at 1/4 ml per pound—2 ml for an 8 pound chicken for instance. It doesn’t sound like gapeworm though, but possibly a respiratory disease, which is more common. Gapeworm is usually so severe that chickens are constantly gasping for air, and unable to eat, drink, and go about their usual actions. Look for any bubbles in his eyes, swelling of his face, gurgling, wheezing, head shaking, or sneezing. Those are not common with gapeworm, but can be seen in MG. Infectious bronchitis can cause frequent sneezing. Mold can also cause some resp issues.

 

[PNW_Peepers]

He sounds wheezy when he breathes. If it’s respiratory what do I use to treat?

 

[PNW_Peepers]

He isn’t displaying any signs of discharge, swollen eyes or face. No sneezing either.