I would like some advice on deworming my two hens please

[wenthehen]

hello everyone!
I need some advice because I've been reading so much info , I've become overwhelmed. I have two hens( one Plymouth and one leg horn) that I dewormed 10 days ago using safe-guard (fenbendazole) because I believed they had tape worm or at least my Plymouth did. I had read several articles and went with the safe guard because it was suppose to be easy and kill tape worms. I did not see any worms in poo until today. my Plymouth has tape worm. now is this normal that ten days later , they would come out? or does that mean the worms are getting worse? I originally looked up why she was starting to have diarrhea and read that if no other symptoms presented themselves it was more than likely tape worm ( or worms). this is the first I've actually seen the "rice" and yes, it moved! I got on here after seeing this and have found articles stating that I should have used something different then safeguard because this doesn't actually kill tape worms! I would appreciate any advice.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

hello everyone!
I need some advice because I've been reading so much info , I've become overwhelmed. I have two hens( one Plymouth and one leg horn) that I dewormed 10 days ago using safe-guard (fenbendazole) because I believed they had tape worm or at least my Plymouth did. I had read several articles and went with the safe guard because it was suppose to be easy and kill tape worms. I did not see any worms in poo until today. my Plymouth has tape worm. now is this normal that ten days later , they would come out? or does that mean the worms are getting worse? I originally looked up why she was starting to have diarrhea and read that if no other symptoms presented themselves it was more than likely tape worm ( or worms). this is the first I've actually seen the "rice" and yes, it moved! I got on here after seeing this and have found articles stating that I should have used something different then safeguard because this doesn't actually kill tape worms! I would appreciate any advice.

Welcome To BYC!
Fenbendazole is a very good wormer and will treat most types worms, but you would want to use Praziquantel if you are going to treat tapeworms.

The link below shows products available plus dosing information, I hope that helps.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...rms-under-construction.1220309/#post-19519143

 

[wenthehen]

Thank you very much! I appreciate your help! Ill be amazon shopping today for Praziquantel then.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I originally looked up why she was starting to have diarrhea and read that if no other symptoms presented themselves it was more than likely tape worm ( or worms). this is the first I've actually seen the "rice" and yes, it moved!

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I agree with Wyorp. Just to let you know... I saw symptoms that everyone SWEARS is signs of worms (muddy bum, diarrhea that never changed, even frothy looking at times). I refuse to treat what I don't know... and getting a fecal float done at the vet proved that it doesn't matter what people swear by. I personally suggest (at least for future reference) getting a fecal float done by a professional before treating. So they can give you a species load count and make sure you use the correct med IF you even need to. I have saved myself tons of effort, and withdrawal time. No eggs in the trash.

With no signs of worms in the fecal float, and eating a standard ration plus free range like everyone else... I could have let the loose droppings slide if only they didn't muck up hers and other eggs in the lay box. Alas, I actually breed my birds and select for vigor which was not being displayed by that hen that was a beautiful representation of the SOP (standard of perfection). Since my word and quality of birds people get effects my reputation... while I will sell off birds to cull from my flock for say the wrong feather color or a comb sprig... that (egg mucking) I could not pass on into my community so she went to freezer camp. It was a difficult choice but I believe it was something liver related and possible genetic in my example, which is just that it isn't always worms and float can tell a good picture!

Are you SURE it wasn't a maggot that you saw???

Sorry, but do you mind if ask a few questions... how old are your hens and what do feed on a regular basis including treats and supplements? Got pics of your recent tape worm? Is your Rock giving you eggs? Is she underweight? Eating and drinking regularly?

 

[wenthehen]

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I agree with Wyorp. Just to let you know... I saw symptoms that everyone SWEARS is signs of worms (muddy bum, diarrhea that never changed, even frothy looking at times). I refuse to treat what I don't know... and getting a fecal float done at the vet proved that it doesn't matter what people swear by. I personally suggest (at least for future reference) getting a fecal float done by a professional before treating. So they can give you a species load count and make sure you use the correct med IF you even need to. I have saved myself tons of effort, and withdrawal time. No eggs in the trash.

With no signs of worms in the fecal float, and eating a standard ration plus free range like everyone else... I could have let the loose droppings slide if only they didn't muck up hers and other eggs in the lay box. Alas, I actually breed my birds and select for vigor which was not being displayed by that hen that was a beautiful representation of the SOP (standard of perfection). Since my word and quality of birds people get effects my reputation... while I will sell off birds to cull from my flock for say the wrong feather color or a comb sprig... that (egg mucking) I could not pass on into my community so she went to freezer camp. It was a difficult choice but I believe it was something liver related and possible genetic in my example, which is just that it isn't always worms and float can tell a good picture!

Are you SURE it wasn't a maggot that you saw???

Sorry, but do you mind if ask a few questions... how old are your hens and what do feed on a regular basis including treats and supplements? Got pics of your recent tape worm? Is your Rock giving you eggs? Is she underweight? Eating and drinking regularly?

 

[wenthehen]

Good Morning! I did not get a picture of the "thing". I wish I had actually. what is weird to me , is that I only saw this "thing" twice, one in each poo and only from Sabrina. Since then , nothing. I am calling around trying to find a vet who knows chickens and its not as easy as I thought it would be. I would like to send the poo off to see what's in it. My girls are 7 months to the best of my knowledge. They were given to me in April this year from my son who had only wanted x amount of hens( he lives in a bigger town).They are eating layer feed from nutrena and their treats consistent of oatmeal( just since its gotten chilly), meal worms and sometimes some mozzarella cheese. so far they have snubbed all the good for you veggies. seriously. Neither bird is underweight and they eat, drink normal. I mean they do not have any other symptoms of what I've read about if they were to have worms. But. I did go ahead and order what wyorp suggested from Amazon. It wont be here till Tuesday. Ill continue to watch their droppings like a hawk but I agree with you, getting it looked at would put my mind at ease! thank you for you help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Good Morning! I did not get a picture of the "thing". I wish I had actually. what is weird to me , is that I only saw this "thing" twice, one in each poo and only from Sabrina. Since then , nothing. I am calling around trying to find a vet who knows chickens and its not as easy as I thought it would be. I would like to send the poo off to see what's in it.

They are eating layer feed from nutrena and their treats consistent of oatmeal( just since its gotten chilly), meal worms and sometimes some mozzarella cheese. so far they have snubbed all the good for you veggies. seriously.

The video below shows what tapeworm in the stool look like.

We all have our opinions on food/treats. Personally, I would forgo the oatmeal and cheese. Some chickens aren't interested in veggies, it depends on what it is. With layer feed, if the hens are confined (kept in coop/run), then I would limit treats to no more than 5-10% of daily intake.

 

[coach723]

If you cannot find a vet that will do a fecal test for you (any vet can do, it's the same test for any species- but some won't do for a chicken), then you can use a mail in option like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5SOZ4/?tag=backy-20
For future reference you can get praziquantel in the horse wormers Equimax paste and Zimectrin Gold, which should be available at feed stores and tractor supplies. Dosing for those is here in post #6:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tapeworms-that-wont-go-away.1130035/

 

[Morrigan]

Good Morning! I did not get a picture of the "thing". I wish I had actually. what is weird to me , is that I only saw this "thing" twice, one in each poo and only from Sabrina. Since then , nothing. I am calling around trying to find a vet who knows chickens and its not as easy as I thought it would be. I would like to send the poo off to see what's in it. My girls are 7 months to the best of my knowledge. They were given to me in April this year from my son who had only wanted x amount of hens( he lives in a bigger town).They are eating layer feed from nutrena and their treats consistent of oatmeal( just since its gotten chilly), meal worms and sometimes some mozzarella cheese. so far they have snubbed all the good for you veggies. seriously. Neither bird is underweight and they eat, drink normal. I mean they do not have any other symptoms of what I've read about if they were to have worms. But. I did go ahead and order what wyorp suggested from Amazon. It wont be here till Tuesday. Ill continue to watch their droppings like a hawk but I agree with you, getting it looked at would put my mind at ease! thank you for you help!

That doesn't sound like tapeworms to me. Look at the picture @Wyorp Rock posted.

Can you describe the "thing" you saw? There are things in chicken poo that look worm-like that actually are not worms at all. Many young chickens occasionally shed small pieces of intestinal lining that look a lot like worms.

 

[Kiki]

For tapeworms:

Equimax

• Kiki
• Sep 5, 2018

Equimax

• Kiki
• Sep 5, 2018