My pullet is 3 1/2 months old and for the last month she's been walking around with her mouth open to chirp sometimes, but no sound comes out. For a long time I thought it was mild discontent.
Recently, I noticed her doing it more, and she looks more sleepy and sleeps more in short naps than the others. She's more lethargic, and the past day it seems hard for her to breathe, like she's being strangled.
I read a lot about gape worm this morning, then, thoroughly disturbed by this, I went off to TSC and bought Ivomec for cattle & swine --Ivermectin--, of which I gave her 3 drops (injectable liquid) orally, as per one forum member's instructions.
Then I considered she doesn't have all of the symptoms.
Her symptoms:
Lethargic, naps often.
Mouth opens and closes frequently, as if yawning.
Eyes slightly closed a lot, as if in pain, or under strain & tired out.
Walks fine but doesn't try to run or fly any more --she's a Belgian d'Anver
Unknown behavoir:
Scratches at ears a bit with feet. Infrequently.
The gape worm symptoms she lacks:
Doesn't shake head or stick head forward in coughing motion
No red, threadlike worm or redness noticed when looking in mouth & down throat. She's lavender --pale mouth
No nasal discharge, sneezing or coughing.
Did I do okay to use my broad spectrum vermicide?
She's my one really valuable breeder & I want to help her, whatever.
Recently, I noticed her doing it more, and she looks more sleepy and sleeps more in short naps than the others. She's more lethargic, and the past day it seems hard for her to breathe, like she's being strangled.
I read a lot about gape worm this morning, then, thoroughly disturbed by this, I went off to TSC and bought Ivomec for cattle & swine --Ivermectin--, of which I gave her 3 drops (injectable liquid) orally, as per one forum member's instructions.
Then I considered she doesn't have all of the symptoms.
Her symptoms:
Lethargic, naps often.
Mouth opens and closes frequently, as if yawning.
Eyes slightly closed a lot, as if in pain, or under strain & tired out.
Walks fine but doesn't try to run or fly any more --she's a Belgian d'Anver
Unknown behavoir:
Scratches at ears a bit with feet. Infrequently.
The gape worm symptoms she lacks:
Doesn't shake head or stick head forward in coughing motion
No red, threadlike worm or redness noticed when looking in mouth & down throat. She's lavender --pale mouth
No nasal discharge, sneezing or coughing.
Did I do okay to use my broad spectrum vermicide?
She's my one really valuable breeder & I want to help her, whatever.
