Silkies are dropping like flies

[Lady of McCamley]

Yes. Something is wrong.

If it isn't heat stroke, then start with worming. Don't use DE. It won't eradicate a load of worms. The best it can do is keep down external parasites and is of questionable use (per studies) for internal worms.

I recommend treating with Ivermectin. That should address internal and external parasites, either of which can cause anemia. (If you overuse Ivermectin, the internal worms can gain a resistance, but if this is a new flock and first time use, it should be effective for both).

Silkies can be temperamental to raise.

Keep a close look out for further symptoms. The age is right for Marek's. That is a disease that Silkies are very susceptible to. It doesn't always produce the classic paralysis symptoms first. You can simply go out and find dead birds if it is internal organ tumors.

So sorry for your losses.

LofMc

 

[PD-Riverman]

What type of wormer should I use? They are very light and small...

Another poster just posted this--- Wyorp Rock
"""It's possible with heat stress and worm overload, they could have gone fairly quickly. I would recommend that you use either Valbazen or Fenbendazole.
Dosage for Valbazen is 1/2 ml orally and then repeated in 10 days for each chicken and Fenbendazole (Safeguard, Panacur) is 1/4 ml per pound for 5 days in a row. Egg throw away period is 14days after last dosage."""

I use Fenbendazole(safeguard goat wormer)

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Hmmmm...just saw the new post....all older birds have died.

Marek's usually kills the younger birds, while older birds have immunity or resistance built up, which is why they have survived until that long.

Yes, with older birds it is typically parasite build up.

I'd really recommend addressing both external and internal. Silkie feathers can harbor a lot of creeping insects.

Also check your roosts. You may have red roost mite that is coming out for blood feeds at night and draining your girls, especially the older ones who may be weaker due to build up of internal worms as well.

The older a chicken is, the more build up of parasites, both internal and external, they get.

LofMc

 

[casportpony]

If another dies you should have a necropsy done. What state do you live in?

 

[TroyerSis]

Could someone post a link to the kind of wormer they use?

 

[TroyerSis]

If another dies you should have a necropsy done. What state do you live in?

West Virginia

 

[TroyerSis]

How about this kind?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/fleming-laboratories-17-wazine-8-oz?cm_vc=-10005

 

[PD-Riverman]

Could someone post a link to the kind of wormer they use?

This is what I use/have used for 1000's. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/safe-guard-goat-wormer-125-ml?cm_vc=-10005

Wazine will not touch a tape worm should they have them.

 

[casportpony]

I recommend treating with Ivermectin. That should address internal and external parasites, either of which can cause anemia. (If you overuse Ivermectin, the internal worms can gain a resistance, but if this is a new flock and first time use, it should be effective for both).

Someone that had used ivermectin posted a few months ago and said that their necropsy found moderate numbers of large roundworms and cecal worms.

 

[TroyerSis]

This is what I use/have used for 1000's. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/safe-guard-goat-wormer-125-ml?cm_vc=-10005

Wazine will not touch a tape worm should they have them.

What's the dosage for this kind?