Worming Time Again?

[JLeigh]

I wormed my guineas a little over a month ago. Wormer three days in water, waited 10 days, then three more days of wormer in water. The new guineas probably need worming, too. Can I re-worm them now safely or should I wait? If I need to wait, how long?

Can I administer the wormer with a (needle-less) syringe? I'd actually prefer to do it that way if it's safe.

Safe, safe, safe is the key, but this time I'm not afraid to get them off the roost individually at night and do the deed - with two people and body armor LOL.

TIA for help!

 

[cowcreekgeek]

I wormed my guineas a little over a month ago. Wormer three days in water, waited 10 days, then three more days of wormer in water. The new guineas probably need worming, too. Can I re-worm them now safely or should I wait? If I need to wait, how long?

Can I administer the wormer with a (needle-less) syringe? I'd actually prefer to do it that way if it's safe.

Safe, safe, safe is the key, but this time I'm not afraid to get them off the roost individually at night and do the deed - with two people and body armor LOL.

TIA for help!

Rather than riskin' an eyeball or two, I'd worm 'em all w/ fenbendazole via feed (despite the FDA rules prohibiting off-label products from feed, but allowin' their use in water ... 'cause it's a typically illogical and ridiculously stupid government rule that has absolutely no basis in fact ~'-)

The minimum dosage I'd suggest is 20 mg/kg of body weight for three consecutive days, as this is the amount req'd to eliminate all worms (save for tapeworms, which you'd see clear evidence of w/in their droppings).

The reason I prefer fenbendazole, beyond it's effectiveness, is that it's been proven safe for even sick birds, and all the way up to 1 full gram per kilogram (which is 2.20462 pounds).

It can also be delivered via water systems, or individually dosed (if you like livin' dangerously ~'-)

 

[karensc]

Where can I get the fenben wormer, and what is the correct dosage? I only have 2 birds and I would much rather put it in their water.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

Where can I get the fenben wormer, and what is the correct dosage? I only have 2 birds and I would much rather put it in their water.

Fenbendazole can be obtained in a number of ways ... Safe-Guard brands, for various other animals, or ...
EDIT: Valbazen (think it's 11.36%) liquid for goats, is albendazole, rather than fenbendazole (sorry ~'-)
... all at just about any feed store (Tractor Supply, Southern States, etc. ~'-)

The target amount, as ideal, I have found to be 20 mg/kg of body weight for three consecutive days. This is based upon clinical efficacy studies, and necropsy results that counted the various worms ... this dosage eliminates all worms, including gapeworms, but excluding tapeworms (which you would see clear evidence of w/in the droppings, if they were w/in your birds).

With only two birds, I'd weigh, calculate the dosage, and give it to 'em mixed w/ food. In fact? I'd buy a pound of SafeGuard Alfalfa pellets 0.5% for $5.99 at Tractor Supply, as that's about the cheapest per gram price you can find for fenbendazole, and the cheapest package price I've ever seen. Although, in your case, it might be wiser to buy the liquid form, as it's got an excellent shelf life. That way, you'll have it on hand for the next time around.

 

[JLeigh]

karensc - you can find fenbendazole at Tractor Supply or one of your local feed stores. Fenbendazole is sold under many brand names: Safeguard is the only brand name I know of. They have Safeguard for goats, horses, etc., and it comes in paste and liquid form. The liquid form is easier to mix into the water, and is the best way in my opinion, but the paste can be added to a jar of water in a measured dose, shaken, then mixed by measuring cc's into the birds' drinking water.

Finding a feed store pro, or someone who has a lot of experience is worth its weight in gold.

 

[JLeigh]

CCG, weighing guineas is a little difficult LOL. While it makes sense, it isn't so easy in practice. And maybe I'm misunderstanding, but Valbazen and Fenbendazole are two completely different wormers, aren't they?

But for me, if I have to weigh a guinea to get the correct dosage, then the wormer is too toxic for me to use. Fenbendazole (he!!, I think I'm spelling it right) isn't highly toxic - meaning there is "wiggle-room" in the dosage before you poison a bird. Some wormers are more toxic than others.

 

[karensc]

Yes, I did see Safeguard for goats at TSC and I think the correct dosage is 1CC, for 3 days. Stop for 10 days and then for 3 more days and they are good then. Am I right and is 1CC enough for their water and 2 birds? They share the same bowl.

 

[cowcreekgeek]

CCG, weighing guineas is a little difficult LOL. While it makes sense, it isn't so easy in practice. And maybe I'm misunderstanding, but Valbazen and Fenbendazole are two completely different wormers, aren't they?

But for me, if I have to weigh a guinea to get the correct dosage, then the wormer is too toxic for me to use. Fenbendazole (he!!, I think I'm spelling it right) isn't highly toxic - meaning there is "wiggle-room" in the dosage before you poison a bird. Some wormers are more toxic than others.

Yes, ma'am ... just spotted my error above, 'n corrected (my mind switched in mid-post; thanks for catchin' my mistake ~'-)

The fenbendazole (sp. correct) has been proven safe in repeated studies, including when administered to sick birds, and in different animals, all the way up to 1 G/kg. << that's 1,000 mg., so there's clearly a whole lot of 'wiggle room' when it comes to the dosage given.

The only dangers I can come up w/ from using *either* wormer would be killin' too many worms too quickly, so as to cause a blockage or too much protein. Or, of course, under-dosing, which creates problems for us all.

 

[JLeigh]

Yes, I did see Safeguard for goats at TSC and I think the correct dosage is 1CC, for 3 days. Stop for 10 days and then for 3 more days and they are good then. Am I right and is 1CC enough for their water and 2 birds? They share the same bowl.

karensc, Yes, you're right except you should dose 3cc in 1 gallon of drinking water.

 

[karensc]

OK that is great, but if I mix a whole gallon of water, can I keep that in the refrigerator for the next dose? A gallon of water for 2 birds is alot to just dump out. I will probably use 1/2 gallon for the 3 days OR I can just mix that much instead. Sorry, I just answered my question. Does this safeguard the one for the goats and cattle and does it have a long shelf life because it will last me a long time. What about the wazine I have? Should I use that as well or get rid of it? Thanks for all your help and I hope everyone had a Happy New Year.

Karen