Capillaria parasite - how to treat?

[HaHaFarms]

I have 2 new pullets, approx 9-10 weeks of age and noticed red in the poop--just one per night. I took it in to be tested for coccidiosis even though we were told they were vaccinated. Results came back negative for coccidiosis, however positive for capillaria.

Unbelievably, no vets in my area will treat chickens! The vet I took it to agreed to test it only because I want to be sure not to infect my other 3 chickens--they did make it clear they would not be able to treat, which is fine. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

 

[dawg53]

I have 2 new pullets, approx 9-10 weeks of age and noticed red in the poop--just one per night. I took it in to be tested for coccidiosis even though we were told they were vaccinated. Results came back negative for coccidiosis, however positive for capillaria.

Unbelievably, no vets in my area will treat chickens! The vet I took it to agreed to test it only because I want to be sure not to infect my other 3 chickens--they did make it clear they would not be able to treat, which is fine. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

The vets lied, capillary worms can be treated. You need to treat ALL your chickens.
Purchase Valbazen liquid cattle/sheep wormer and dose all your chickens orally 3/4cc using a syringe without a needle. Repeat dosing in 10 days. Worm your birds in the early morning before feeding them.
https://www.jefferspet.com/products/valbazen-broad-spectrum-dewormer




You can also use Safeguard liquid goat wormer. Dose all your chickens 1cc orally using a syringe without a needle. Dose each bird for 5 days in a row. Worm your birds early each morning before feeding them.
https://www.jefferspet.com/products/safeguard-dewormer-goats-125ml

 

[Eggcessive]

Capillary or thread worms can be serious in chickens. Either of the two different wormers that Dawg53 recommended are very good to use to treat them. SafeGuard Liquid Goat Wormer may be easier to find at your feed store, and some prefer it with the 5 day treatment for capillary worms.

 

[HaHaFarms]

You are both wonderful! I had both in my hands and since safeguard looked less intimidating, went with that one! Had also read some posts that the fenbendazole had a good success rate. Thank you Dawg53 and
Eggcessive, your input has helped me feel more comfortable about this decision! Thank goodness for this forum and for you!

 

[HaHaFarms]

Ok, so I am not very comfortable with the conversions on the bottle. The bottle says to administer 2.3 ml per 100 lb of body weight. My layers are approx 6-7lbs, the pullets are maybe a pound?? How should I adjust the dosage? I am worried about over-medicating all of them.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Folly's place]

Look up the mg. per kg. dose for chickens; my reference says 4mg. per kg. body wt. per day for three days. It's an older reference, so find something current. Aquazole is the newer approved fenbendazole product for chickens, and should have dose recommendations on the label. Different species need different amounts per pound body weight, so be careful.
Mary

 

[HaHaFarms]

Thank you Mary! I did a lot of research and I am dozing the layers 1 mL each and the pullets a half cc. We are on day 4, with one to go...fingers crossed!

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, many medicines used on other animals or in humans may require a larger dose per pound than usual. It is always best to ask questions or try to look up veterinary dosages especially for chickens or birds. Fenbendazole can be given 1/4 ml per pound for 5 days very safely.

 

[HaHaFarms]

I think they are between 1 to 2 pounds, the new ones so I think it’s right. However unfortunately I just came outside to a an extremely lethargic chicken she has her eyes closed sleeping in the corner… A total 180 from her behavior yesterday where she was Uber active! Any tips on what I should do? Her little companion is acting normal eating and playing around… My three bigger chickens look like normal as well

 

[casportpony]