Quarantining and Deworming New Hens

[allison_waring]

Hi All,
We are rehoming 3 adult hens (2 years old) and have them set-up in a quarantine enclosure. I'm thinking of deworming them before introducing them to the main flock. I have some fenbendazole (safeguard) but don't want to use it because we are entering fall and one of them is actively regrowing new feathers. I've read that albendazole (valbazen) is supposed to be a good universal dewormer but I can only find it in a $60 bottle. Is equimax a good alternative? Is it worth spending the $60 on the valbazen? I haven't yet seen any signs of worms in the 3 hens but also don't want to introduce anything to my OG flock.

Is there anything else I should also be considering while I have them in quarantine for the next 4 weeks?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi All,
We are rehoming 3 adult hens (2 years old) and have them set-up in a quarantine enclosure. I'm thinking of deworming them before introducing them to the main flock. I have some fenbendazole (safeguard) but don't want to use it because we are entering fall and one of them is actively regrowing new feathers. I've read that albendazole (valbazen) is supposed to be a good universal dewormer but I can only find it in a $60 bottle. Is equimax a good alternative? Is it worth spending the $60 on the valbazen? I haven't yet seen any signs of worms in the 3 hens but also don't want to introduce anything to my OG flock.

Is there anything else I should also be considering while I have them in quarantine for the next 4 weeks?

Fenbendazole or Albendazole will treat most worms that poultry can have, except for Tapeworms.

Equimax will treat Tapeworms.

So if you wanting to deworm and are worried about molt, then Albendazole (Valbazen) would be the way to go. You can order Albendazole here where it's slightly cheaper. https://toltrazurilshop.com/products/albendazole-11-36-liquid-solution/

Other things to consider. Observe for any signs of illness, especially respiratory symptoms (swollen facial tissue, mucous, coughing/sneezing, etc.).

Look them over for lice/mites.

Otherwise, enjoy the new ladies, I hope they settle in o.k.

 

[febane]

Hi All,
We are rehoming 3 adult hens (2 years old) and have them set-up in a quarantine enclosure. I'm thinking of deworming them before introducing them to the main flock. I have some fenbendazole (safeguard) but don't want to use it because we are entering fall and one of them is actively regrowing new feathers. I've read that albendazole (valbazen) is supposed to be a good universal dewormer but I can only find it in a $60 bottle. Is equimax a good alternative? Is it worth spending the $60 on the valbazen? I haven't yet seen any signs of worms in the 3 hens but also don't want to introduce anything to my OG flock visit website.

Is there anything else I should also be considering while I have them in quarantine for the next 4 weeks?

If the hens show no signs of worms, you don’t need to rush deworming. Fenbendazole is safe but can be held off during feather regrowth, while Valbazen is a good broad-spectrum choice though costly unless you’ll use it often. Equimax is off-label for poultry and tricky to dose, so it’s not the best first option. During quarantine, watch droppings, check for mites or lice, and monitor for any respiratory issues before introducing them to your main flock.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you don’t see worms, do a fecal float, then if you have worms, do something. But don’t deworm just in case you have something, find out for sure. Saves money.