Tapeworm Deworming Questions

[chelleigh]

The segments disappeared for a couple days, but reappeared in full force this afternoon. I guess it is off to buy some zimectrin. How long can this go on for? These tapeworms are nasty little critters!

 

[dawg53]

The segments disappeared for a couple days, but reappeared in full force this afternoon. I guess it is off to buy some zimectrin. How long can this go on for? These tapeworms are nasty little critters!

Like I mentioned in post #3, tapes are tough to get rid of. Make sure you buy zimectrin gold, not just plain zimectrin...big difference. I'm currently dealing with them in 3 hens in a seperate pen. Ensure you remove feces occasionally throughout the day. I'm using z-gold, dosing with valbazen 4 days later. I'll redose with valbazen again in 5 days. The withholding of feed worked. I saw stringy tapes excreted in feces after using the valbazen. I also increased dosage to 1cc in my biggest Barred Rock, 3/4cc for the other 2 smaller hens.

 

[chelleigh]

UPDATE: Thanks again dawg53 for all your help! The z-gold did it and those tapes are long gone!

 

[dawg53]

UPDATE: Thanks again dawg53 for all your help! The z-gold did it and those tapes are long gone!

Same here, mine are all clear and free.

 

[JoePa]

Now how do you figure your chickens got the tapeworms in the first place? - are they free roaming birds? -

 

[dawg53]

Now how do you figure your chickens got the tapeworms in the first place? - are they free roaming birds? -

Eating infected bugs while free ranging.

 

[BrandyS]

I know this is an old threat but very informative. Was wondering if the protocol for treating tapes has changed at all. I have a 4 month old hen that I just got and saw she had tapes. Treated her once 3 days ago with Valbazen about .15 ml (she is 3 lbs). I still see the moving segments. Perhaps the Valbazen hasn't had long enough to work but wondering if I should wait the full 10 days to retreat her with Valbazen or switch it up. Any thoughts? I am also wondering why it was suggested to crate the hen separately. I was under the impression that you needed an intermediate host to transfer the tapes so have let her continue to free range. But perhaps by crating you are trashing the feces to eliminate this possibility??

Thanks!
Brandy

 

[dawg53]

I know this is an old threat but very informative. Was wondering if the protocol for treating tapes has changed at all. I have a 4 month old hen that I just got and saw she had tapes. Treated her once 3 days ago with Valbazen about .15 ml (she is 3 lbs). I still see the moving segments. Perhaps the Valbazen hasn't had long enough to work but wondering if I should wait the full 10 days to retreat her with Valbazen or switch it up. Any thoughts? I am also wondering why it was suggested to crate the hen separately. I was under the impression that you needed an intermediate host to transfer the tapes so have let her continue to free range. But perhaps by crating you are trashing the feces to eliminate this possibility??

Thanks!
Brandy

Withhold her feed for 24 hours, after 24 hours are up, increase valbazen dosage to 3/4cc orally and administer it to her. Repeat withholding feed for 24 hours in 4 days then redose her 3/4cc valbazen again the 5th day.
The tapeworm segments work their way into the soil where insects eat them. The infected insects increases the risk of being eaten by your other chickens, infecting them as well...starting the tapeworms lifecycle all over again. Isolating the infected chicken helps in preventing the spread of the segments into the soil.

 

[BrandyS]

Thank you! I started her fast and she is cooped up. So my last question- since she has already been free ranging 2 days while excreting the tapes- any suggestions on how to eliminate the intermediate hosts? I sprinkled DE around the area where the chickens hang out. Heard that coffee grounds may kill off grubs and snails as well. Any other ideas? I did just make a round and picked up any droppings I could find but I am sure there are more out there and from yesterday as well.

Brandy

 

[BrandyS]

Update- treated the tapeworm ridden pullet again. So she has been given Valbazen a total of 3 times, 4 days apart. It is now 4 days from her last treatment and I am still seeing tons of worms. Should I switch meds or wait it out? I am seeing a lot more worms now than before she was treated. Not exactly sure what that means. Briefly talked to a vet at A&M who thought the 3rd round of Valbazen would get rid of it and it was good that I was seeing the worms come out. Seems like there should be less by now??

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.