Hen 'under the weather'---Deworming or dusting for mites or BOTH?

[waghmg]

Hi, I've posted about my hen who has just not been herself for a while now...No respiratory symptoms...not eating as much and has not laid in probably 2 months or so. She'll will eat some grass and sometimes eat a little of her pellets and scratch around for bugs just a little but then you find her just standing doing nothing with her feathers puffed out....

Suggestions have been either mites/lice or worms. Can't say I've seen either but have not been able to get a good look at her poop for worms...she seems to scratch/preen a lot...Doesn't seem to be getting worse but is not getting better.

Bought some poultry dust for mites yesterday... Should I try that first? Was going to pick up some valbazen today as that has been the suggested wormer by most on the forum. Should I try both at the same time?

I'm really at a loss as to what to try. Thanks for your help.

 

[CMV]

Doing both won't hurt her. It may even help. If you are going to treat for mites, then I would recommend that you do a proper de-bugging- treat all the birds and their environment. No point in doing it if you only do it half-way.

Good luck.

 

[waghmg]

Thanks so much for your reply.

I really hope this helps her. I've never wormed her or treated for mites before.

Also replace her bedding and put the dust also in her coop, correct?

 

[Judy]

You'll probably have to order the valbazen online so might as well start with the lice / mites. Jeffers Livestock, First State Vet Supply and even Amazon are some sources for the Valbazen. Smallest bottle runs around $40.

 

[waghmg]

Checked out the valbazen at First State Vet Supply because they had the smallest amt, 100 mL bottle. The smallest I can get around me is 500 mL. BUT....by the time I pay $9+ shipping for the 100 mL bottle, only save $2-3, so I've decided to get the 500 mL locally.

Just FYI for anyone who's interested...have to do your homework...the shipping costs can really get you!!

Also, have seen I need to give her 1/2 cc/mL orally with needleless syringe. If anyone sees that amt needs correction, PLEASE let me know!!

Thanks again for your help.

 

[waghmg]

UPDATE:
Got the Valbazen today at a local animal health store and fed it to her in some bread and to my surprise she ate it. She can be picky sometimes. Thought I was going to have to use a syringe and was dreading that.

Anyhow, have the poultry dust and will hopefully will do it later today or tomorrow. Have to make sure I can also get her bedding cleaned out.

Sure hopes all this helps her.

Thanks for the help everyone.