Chircken With Gapeworm

[nicola o]

Hi there.

Yesterday one of my ex-bats started showing all the signs for Gapeworm. Rang the vets and after explaining the symptoms she agreed that it did sound like it. I told the vet I have Flubenvet which she said was the best wormer for Gapeworm, and I explained that I usually administered it using the grape method. She said to worm all the chooks every day for a week as a precaution, but to worm Mavis twice a day as she was showing such symptoms.

I've brought her inside and is currently in the bathroom and I keep running the shower as the vet said that high humidity will help her cough up the dead worms.

My main question, and something I forgot to ask the vet, is this - how long would it take to see an improvement (I'm worried if she is away from the others too long I'll have trouble re-intoducing her) and what is the recovery or (sad thought) the mortality rate.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks, Nicola

[Graham S]

gape worm

Hi Nicola,

Whats grape method?

Did the vet specifically suggest to isolate her.? I'd be tempted to leave her with the other chickens - the stress of being alone might make her worse and if she is away from the others for a long period then they'll probably turn on her.
If she needs worming twice a day, then take her out for a short period and give her a 'treat' coated in flubenvent. The rest of the time, she can remain with the other birds and be treated with the rest over the week.

Obviously follow the suggestions from the vet!

Hope this helps.
cheers
Graham

[nicola o]

Thanks for reply.

Grape method - cut grape in half, dip cut (wet) edge of grape in a TINY amount of flubenvet, shake off excess, and give to chicken. Do this once a day for seven days. With only a few chooks I find this easier than mixing a load of wormer with the food.

The vet did say that she needs to be kept warm and out of draughts, and with the higher humidity that's why I put her in the bathroom. But I am worried about her being depressed as she's on her own and about re-intoducing her if she is away too long from the others.

It is blowing a gale and pouring at the moment, but I may pop her back in when they are tucked up in bed and perhaps leave her there tomorrow if it is a nicer day.

Nicola.

[bluemoon]

Ah, takes me back to administering epilepsy meds to our Labrador using the sausage method.

[nicola o]

Just a quick update.

Monday night I put Mavis back with the others, and I think there was a slight improvement by this time. But Tuesday morning she seemed so much better

There was still a slight opening and closing of the beak as she breathed, but that was completely gone by Tuesday night and now she is 100% O.K.

I am a very happy chicken mummy

Myrtle is now showing early signs of gapeworm but this time I won't panic as I know what I am doing and how quickly it can be cleared up.

Nicola.

[Birdie Wife]

Glad this went well for you Nicola, put it down to a learning experience

[Graham S]

Glad to hear they are doing well!