New silkies--should I worm just in case?

[Sue Gremlin]

If you get a fecal examination done, it will tell you if they have gapeworms or something else.

 

[casportpony]

If you get a fecal examination done, it will tell you if they have gapeworms or something else.

I agree that a fecal is a good idea, but I've read that fecal tests for gapes are hit and miss. Something about them having to cough up eggs and swallow said eggs.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I suspect this is it. The panting has seriously subsided since then. No wheezing at all.
One is still gaping but I suspect that's more because she's a little pig that likes to gobble until her crop is completely stuffed.
I am worried about how they'll adjust to the temp later, but I figure I'll take that when I get to it lol.



Thanks for the article!



I am following a pretty strict quarantine routine. I don't ever go outside to my current flock in the same shoes/clothes as I had on with the new chicks. I do sometimes come in and handle the new chicks with the same pants I had on for the outside set. I'll keep that in mind and be more careful. It hadn't occurred to me that contamination could happen from outside to inside tbh.

I am hoping they'll integrate after my 30 day quarantine, but if they don't, I have a set up for them separate from my current flock. I have heard that silkies are hard to integrate into a largefowl flock. My largefowl flock is a little rough too so... it's a strong possibility that they won't get along. There are some now that are pretty picked on. It may do me well to put some of the lower pecking-order hens in with the silkies later. My crested birds especially seem to be picked on.



At least I'm not the only one! Their transport was pretty quick--a half an hour car ride. But it has really calmed down. I suspect it was stress. Despite their age they seem to really miss the momma hen too--I put in a brooder to calm them down and that's helped a bit. I may try a feather duster like I've seen some people use.

I'm glad to hear that gapeworms aren't common. I suppose maybe I've got a false idea of how common they are since I see it online!

I have a small table fan on my injured silkie Cockerel. He stops panting almost instantly, this is what happens when they are used to cold weather unfortunately. Glad yours are doing better!

 

[alexisrambles]

I agree that a fecal is a good idea, but I've read that fecal tests for gapes are hit and miss. Something about them having to cough up eggs and swallow said eggs.

Hmm I may have to get one to my vet then. Do you think I should test them individually or just one, running on the theory that if one has it they all have it?

That's what I'd heard about gapeworms too. Hmm. I may give them a few days to settle down more. They're already way less freaked out by being alone.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Silkie are very personable needy style birds my BF he went up did silkie they have him trained carry them to their tractor

 

[alexisrambles]

Silkie are very personable needy style birds my BF he went up did silkie they have him trained carry them to their tractor

That's adorable aww!!