Tapeworms

[codyboyk]

I'm babysitting a dog and just found out he has tapeworm. The vet said she didn't think it could be transmitted to the ducks. However when I mow the grass I usually put the clippings in the duck pen (we live in town on a little lot). Can I just put some DE in with their food to be on the safe side? Or should I not even worry about it?

Thanks
Amy in AZ

 

[veronicasmom]

Personally, I would not worry about it. Unless you see evidence of it, as you would in any other animal. Normally, the tapeworm segments are visible. That's is just what I would do. But, I am going to interject that I would be VERY careful with putting grass clippings in the duck pen. Newly mowed grass ferments very quickly. I have read that you are not supposed to feed horses grass clippings for that reason and I imagine that it would be an issue for ducks also.
Just an fyi.

 

[Speceider]

Most worms are species-specific, so there is little threat of mammalian worms in birds.

Clint