Wormers and such...

[nergal2012]

Hello,

I bought 4 new peeps today and need to know if I should worm them even though I haven't seen any evidence of them actually having worms yet. Also, my Millie Fleur rooster seems to be sneezing or coughing--I'm not sure which; he looks great otherwise. Is there anything I can give him and the girls to treat and prevent any further illness? I want my new babies to be as healthy as can be

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you get them from a breeder or at a swap? People sometimes sell sick birds without any guilt.If birds are near sick birds at swap meets, they can become exposed. Keep them isolated from other birds for at least 30 days to make sure that the rooster is healthy. Chickens can sneeze occasionally from dusty conditions or feed. Look for any watery eyes or nasal drainage, or noisy breathing. Common respiratory diseases are infectious bronchitis, mycoplasma, coryza, ILT, and aspergillosis. Many diseases can make carriers of the whole flock. If possible, if you feel he is really sick, I would isolate him and try to get him tested by your local vet, extension agent, or state dept, of agriculture. Here is a good link to read about common diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

Worming is usually done after worms have been seen or by getting a fecal float done on some fresh droppings. I would probably use Valbazen 1/4 ml for a bantam or 1/2 ml for a large breed grown chicken. Then repeat it in 10-14 days.

 

[nergal2012]

I got them at a flea market that sells a lot of poultry and livestock. I will keep an eye on their poo but considering where I bought them, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to worm them anyway, right? I haven't noticed any drainage from the rooster yet. Thanks for the link! I'll check it out.