Help! My chickens have tapeworm...

[SonoranChick]

Did you have a fecal exam done before and after the seed usage?

I have not had a fecal exam done yet. The only reason is that I am actually seeing the segments (some even move, so disgusting!). From comparing to videos online it looks identical to tapeworm segments.

 

[Kiki]

I have not had a fecal exam done yet. The only reason is that I am actually seeing the segments (some even move, so disgusting!). From comparing to videos online it looks identical to tapeworm segments.

Sorry...that was meant for the pumpkin seed user.

Some people swear their birds don't have worms.
Worms are nearly always NEVER seen.

EVERYONE should have the silly cheap test to check the poop.

 

[SonoranChick]

Good news, I was able to get the Eqimax today. I do have one more question, most of my chickens are just about to start laying (they are 20 weeks) - one is already laying. Is it ok to use this treatment so close to their point of lay? I know I have to toss the eggs while using it but I just want to be sure I'm not messing their system up when it comes to egg production.

 

[andreanar]

Good news, I was able to get the Eqimax today. I do have one more question, most of my chickens are just about to start laying (they are 20 weeks) - one is already laying. Is it ok to use this treatment so close to their point of lay? I know I have to toss the eggs while using it but I just want to be sure I'm not messing their system up when it comes to egg production.

Its fine. You need to get rid of the tapes or you will have more to worry about than them laying! They could stop eating, lose weight, lose feathers. Get them healthy again.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

@SonoranChick
I'm so glad you caught this infestation early...at just 20 weeks of age. @PD-Riverman can tell you he nearly lost a large flock to tape worm. Tapes can cause birds to become malnourished and anemic very quickly. He was stunned at how many were bone thin.

The Praziquantal in the Equimax is the most recommended med for treating heavy tape infestations. It works quickly. You may have to retreat as tapes come back if the intermediary is not removed. (My guess is something like slugs rather than the ants...ants don't typically carry parasites...and the chickens eating each other's poo...happens all the time.)

I'm very glad for herbals. I am a BIG fan of herbals. They can really help hold down things. But I am so glad for the meds when troubles do arise. They've saved many an animal.

I'm so glad too you are enjoying your chickens. They truly are a fun hobby to connect over.

I look forward to updates on BYC about your flock...and those wonderful first eggs...like Easter morning

LofMc

 

[Sunshine Flock]

In my experience modern medicine tends to operate from a stance that favors quick and hard attacks, rather than safe and gradual healing.

By quick and hard attacks I mean flooding flesh with strong hits of chemicals.

The key ingredient in Equifax (haha, but close enough) knocks out tapeworms in a flash. You'll likely need a repeat in a few weeks, but it definitely works.

And then there are the non-chemical options. It can come from gradual feedings, such as putting out a small pumpkin for the flock to nibble on all day, or a more focused approach. Gradual is more for maintenance; focused is for healing when there's a problem that needs to be addressed.

Leaving a pumpkin out for all day nibbling isn't focused enough for healing.

I do find that people who favor herbal and natural healing tend to not receive the same dose of kindness and respect that others are shown. But overall I'm finding folks around here to be receptive.

I think words got a little strong in this discussion on both sides.

Personally I don't consider Equihorse (there we go again) an option for an animal whose food I intend to consume. But the threat of tapeworm is quite serious, and so I respect this option as chosen by others.

Peace and healing to your flock.

 

[SonoranChick]

And as someone else stated, yes my chickens are raised as pets, I do consume the eggs but will not use them for meat. I am not thrilled about using the Equinox (haha ok our auto-type is having a field day with EQUIMAX) I feel like my choice right now is use the non-natural medicine, or lose some flock members. As a last resort I will go with the deworming meds. I did not know this was such a hot topic and could create a situation in which people would be personally offended, and I agree things got a bit unfriendly on both sides. Those who go the natural route, and those who choose to medicate, are alike in that they both want what is "best" for their flock. I realize that what is best is subjective and I love that I can come to this site to find all different opinions, although things can get heated. We can all agree that the tapeworms are not welcome and need to go, one way or another!

 

[DuckLady]

I cleaned up this thread a bit.
Please continue to be helpful without being argumentative.

 

[Eggcessive]

I believe we all would rather not give drugs, antibiotics, or chemicals to our chickens, especially when we love to eat their eggs. But sometimes it may be necessary, and that is up to the person wanting information whether or not to follow our suggestions. Most of us would give our kids or grandkids an antibiotic for strep throat, but have to think about it for our chickens.

A friend who runs the co-op where I sold my eggs a few years ago related that her teenage daughter had spit out a large roundworm one day, sending them both into hysterics. The doctor had to give her daughter a dewormer to help her. I have had friends who have had tapeworms as well after traveling home to their countries of origin, who probably would not like being told to eat pumpkin seeds, rather than get a medication to promptly treat it. I was one who loved the idea of using pumpkin seeds for worm prevention, but it did not work for my chickens.

So, it is always good to see both sides, and not be too aggressive with our opinions. Post your opinion, and perhaps people will listen to your view or someone else. Use studies to back up reasons for using certain treatments helps, but not all of the studies may be done professionally or even done on poultry. TV and magazine celebrity doctors are some of the worst to tout cures that are hearsay or unproven.

 

[SonoranChick]

@Eggcessive this is so true...there is such a vast amount of information (and misinformation) out there, it can be daunting to sift through it all. Especially in cases like this where there isn't necessarily a "right" answer, but rather differing philosophies which offer many different answers and opinions.
I decided to dose them individually with the Equimax this morning. I feel better knowing those pesky worms aren't having a very good day...and plan on spending time in the coop until sundown to be sure there are no sudden side effects. So far, so good! I plan to redose in 10 days and toss the eggs for the next month. That part I am really sad about, but not all of them are laying yet so better to get a handle on this sooner rather than wait.