How young is too young to worm???

[MakNat]

My 7 weeks olds have been on the ground since they were 4 weeks. Some of them are doing the wide open mouth thing and I'm worried they may have gapeworm. Would it be safe to give them the drops of ivermectin on their backs? I started the AVC and garlic water at age 2 weeks. Med feed. I throw a little DE in there feed here and there too. They run around and play in the barn which has a limestone floor. Was thinking they may be eating peices of that.?? They are my leghorn pullets I have worked so hard on and I want them to be as healthy as possible. Thanks!! Also, I have a couple older birds who are snotty, foamy eyes and weezey? Any suggestions on that??

 

[saladin]

You asked a question; please do not be offended by my response as that is not my intention.

Gapeworm is a result of unsanitary conditions. If you have them then it means you are allowing your pen/area to become to filthy.

That said, 7 week old chicks don't normally have worms. I usually worm mine the first time at around 20 weeks and, yes, they have been on the dirt since at least 6 weeks of age.

This sounds like a respiratory problem instead of worms. I basic cleanup type drug might be utilitzed. I would suggest Sulmet for 3 to 4 days and move them to new dry ground. saladin

 

[MakNat]

I rake out there cage to the hard dirt weekly. And pour a knew bag of pine shavings in there. They are only in there over night really because they run free all day. I was thinking also that they may be eating weird things and that is why they make that goofy face. I've only seen a couple do it here and there. I'm paranoid, I guess. I love them and take pride in keeping them healthy and happy. Meaning, I know that cage cleaning is a HUGE part of that. I am and am happy to be learning as I go. It just resembled what I've read about gape worms. No offense taken. I just learned something. I always thought each different worm they got was from different bugs they ate..??? As for the big birds.. A couple have had this going on since the really cold snap, on and off. They seem fine otherwise and only the same couple. I isolated them earlier and gave them a round of duyamicin 10. Seemed to help somewhat then a little of it is back. I just stripped and hosed out the coop, so maybe that will help.

 

[MakNat]

I just read it again. They get gapeworms from eating earthworms...