Ivermectin safe for pigeons?

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I got a new pigeon today and I want to treat for worms and mites as a precaution. (S)he’s pretty dirty. I have ivermectin and know it can be used for both, but I’m unsure if it’s safe for pigeons. I have read that others use it and recommend 1-2 drops, but I want to make sure it’s safe. If it is, will putting 1-2 drops on the skin treat for both worms and mites or only mites?

 

[Perris]

Yes it's safe for pigeons. See info on link below which relates to a product available in this country
https://www.harkersonline.co.uk/product/treatments/harkamectin-parasites/

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Yes it's safe for pigeons. See info on link below which relates to a product available in this country
https://www.harkersonline.co.uk/product/treatments/harkamectin-parasites/

Thank you for the reply! He might be too skinny for it right now, but I’m glad I know it’s safe.

 

[BDutch]

IMHO Its not good to give it as a precaution. Ivermectin is a medicine for treatment and should not be given to a healthy bird.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

IMHO Its not good to give it as a precaution. Ivermectin is a medicine for treatment and should not be given to a healthy bird.

This pigeon is not exactly healthy, but I see what you’re saying. I know how to check for mites, but I’m unsure on checking for worms, since I’ve read you don’t always see them in the droppings.

 

[BDutch]

This pigeon is not exactly healthy, but I see what you’re saying. I know how to check for mites, but I’m unsure on checking for worms, since I’ve read you don’t always see them in the droppings.

If you have a microscope you can see most worms in a ‘fresh’ preparation. But if you want to be sure you might inform to bring fresh stool to a vet for a research .

 

[BDutch]

If you have other livestock , are going to quarantine this pigeon , and don’t want to infect the flock, I fully understand the treatment. If you are very careful then you have to keep her/him apart till after the second dose (14 days).

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

If you have a microscope you can see most worms in a ‘fresh’ preparation. But if you want to be sure you might inform to bring fresh stool to a vet for a research .

I do have a microscope, I’ll definitely try that.

If you have other livestock , are going to quarantine this pigeon , and don’t want to infect the flock, I fully understand the treatment. If you are very careful then you have to keep her/him apart till after the second dose (14 days).

I’ll be separating him/her probably for about a month, if not longer. I’ve learned my lesson with not quarantining chickens long enough.

Thank you for your advice.

 

[biophiliac]

I do have a microscope, I’ll definitely try that.

You'll be looking for eggs. Google some images so you can identify them. Good luck!