Hello - here's some background on my question:
I lost a chicken a couple of weeks ago. After a state lab necropsy, it appears to be cancer, but in the process they also included this note in the interim report:
“This hen was negative for Avian influenza and two species of Mycoplasma. A parasite screen was run on feces, which found a small amount of coccidia (likely not clinically significant) and Capillaria (threadworm)…These worms can be controlled with fenbendazole and other dewormers. One fenbendazole product is Aquasol, which is approved for laying hens. For this product a withdrawal period is not required before the eggs can be eaten if it is given according to directions. No other product is FDA approved for laying hens, and it is recommended to work with a veterinarian to determine proper dose and withdrawal period for other dewormers.”
Out of caution since it didn't seem to be the main cause but was present to some degree, I thought I should deworm the flock. I only have 8 chickens plus 6 runner ducks. (Note that I do have a vet, but she's answering questions out of the goodness of her heart (I'm not booking appointments in other words) and I don't want to infringe too much on her. She is going to assist with dosing and whatnot...ANYWAY) -
I have read various things about threadworm and while the state lab report said that was the product to use, other sites say it isn't effective. That's confusing and annoying thing number one.
Confusing and annoying thing number two, is I have read molting hens shouldn't have this medication - well it's fall and while most of my birds look fine I do have one obviously actively growing in new feathers. So hold off on the flock until that's done?
Confusing and annoying thing number three...I can easily dose the chickens in their water once the amount is calculated, as they pretty much have the one source. They do have access to a pond but they typically drink from their waterer. The ducks, however, have multiple sources - a pond, a couple of buckets, etc. So does anyone know if there is a way to determine how much medication could be given to each individual duck (say, from a dropper onto peas for each of them)?
I have learned so much about the health and wellbeing of my flocks but still always learning. Any advice or input would be welcome!
I lost a chicken a couple of weeks ago. After a state lab necropsy, it appears to be cancer, but in the process they also included this note in the interim report:
“This hen was negative for Avian influenza and two species of Mycoplasma. A parasite screen was run on feces, which found a small amount of coccidia (likely not clinically significant) and Capillaria (threadworm)…These worms can be controlled with fenbendazole and other dewormers. One fenbendazole product is Aquasol, which is approved for laying hens. For this product a withdrawal period is not required before the eggs can be eaten if it is given according to directions. No other product is FDA approved for laying hens, and it is recommended to work with a veterinarian to determine proper dose and withdrawal period for other dewormers.”
Out of caution since it didn't seem to be the main cause but was present to some degree, I thought I should deworm the flock. I only have 8 chickens plus 6 runner ducks. (Note that I do have a vet, but she's answering questions out of the goodness of her heart (I'm not booking appointments in other words) and I don't want to infringe too much on her. She is going to assist with dosing and whatnot...ANYWAY) -
I have read various things about threadworm and while the state lab report said that was the product to use, other sites say it isn't effective. That's confusing and annoying thing number one.
Confusing and annoying thing number two, is I have read molting hens shouldn't have this medication - well it's fall and while most of my birds look fine I do have one obviously actively growing in new feathers. So hold off on the flock until that's done?
Confusing and annoying thing number three...I can easily dose the chickens in their water once the amount is calculated, as they pretty much have the one source. They do have access to a pond but they typically drink from their waterer. The ducks, however, have multiple sources - a pond, a couple of buckets, etc. So does anyone know if there is a way to determine how much medication could be given to each individual duck (say, from a dropper onto peas for each of them)?
I have learned so much about the health and wellbeing of my flocks but still always learning. Any advice or input would be welcome!
