Help! My chickens have tapeworm...

[Sunshine Flock]

@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.

Maybe cook up the eggs and feed them to your cats and dogs?

I'm moving away from chemical, non-natural dewormers, but I've given all of our cats and dogs the main ingredient in EquiBeast and would feel safe feeding them eggs from a flock that has just been treated with the same ingredient.

Of course, I'd prefer totally natural and organic feed all around, but I also don't like waste, and boy are homegrown eggs delicious.

Just a thought.

 

[SonoranChick]

I was wondering if I could do this! I'm glad they won't go to waste. The dogs love eggs and are thankful for your comment Do you think we could still use the shells as a calcium source for the chickens? I am assuming not, but worth asking.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

I was wondering if I could do this! I'm glad they won't go to waste. The dogs love eggs and are thankful for your comment Do you think we could still use the shells as a calcium source for the chickens? I am assuming not, but worth asking.

Considering the recommendation to re-dose the flock in ten days, I'd say yes, go ahead and give them their crushed eggshells.

But I wouldn't compost those shells for use in the garden.

 

[HeidiEmbrey]

There are many different species of tapeworms that can infect backyard poultry. The majority of these species are totally harmless, COMPLETELY HARMLESS however large numbers of tapeworms may cause weight loss and loss of egg production. However the impetus to treat tends not to come so much from a concern about the health of the birds but rather from the bird’s owners revulsion at the site of these long tapeworms (up to 25cm in length) in their birds’ droppings.

Even if tapeworms are found treatment is rarely needed.

If treatment is decided upon there are two potential ways to control them:

• Identify the species of tapeworm involved and target their other host e.g. flies (Red Top Fly Traps work really well to reduce fly numbers – Ed.)
• Use a suitable wormer

The next question many owners ask is ‘can I use Flubenvet to treat tapeworms?’

Flubenvet is not licensed against tapeworms and there are conflicting articles as to whether or not its ingredient Flubendazole kills tapeworms.
Praziquantel is not licensed for use in poultry and if used owners need to do so under the prescription of their vet who will advise upon a suitable egg withdrawl period (by law this must be at least 7 days).

https://poultrykeeper.com/digestive-system-problems/tapeworms-and-fluke-in-backyard-fowl/

Just chill..work on prevention and controlling flies or whatever host ..Tapeworms aren't immortal their life cycle is like 21 days .. I would say spoil them some and keep them healthy and fat so their immune systems can fight through it..and chill with the chemicals omg people