How Quickly Does Albendazole Work?

[piggysnorting]

One of our Pepperpots has in the last couple of days, appeared out of sorts and I could do with some advice please.

 

Initially yesterday we were surprised to hear her regularly making a loud crowing noise, almost like a cock. (She lays lovely eggs so this definitely isn't the case). She was still doing this when the ladies went in to roost and when we checked, she seemed to be disturbing the others with her racket.

 

Today I've noticed that she's been quite lethargic when free-ranging. She doesn't move about much, preferring to stand, eyes closed and might be gasping for breath. She appears to be in good condition - bright eyes, wattle and comb, no signs of poop around the vent and apparently pooing normally. She is still laying daily but the other ladies almost seem to be avoiding her.

 

Any ideas about what the problem might be and any treatments would be most appreciated.

[theherd123]

Hmm she doesnt sound right does she?

 

The gasping could be gape worm

 

When did you last worm your girls?

[piggysnorting]

I'll hold my hands up here and say that we haven't wormed the ladies, but I guess that should be the first thing I do tomorrow...

[Egluntyne]

If she has gapeworm she may display other symptoms such as shaking her head, coughing, gaping and she will eventually lose condition and appear ill.

 

Sometimes if you shine a torch down an affected hens throat, it is possible to see the red worm in the trachea.

 

The dose of Flubenvet is doubled to treat gapeworm, and consequently there is an egg withdrawal of one week beyond the last dose.

[Christian]

It could be that she has a soft egg on the way and she is panting due to the heat. Mine have been doing it for a couple of days now.

 

The softie will make her feel rough.

 

I would worm them anyway, just to be safe.

 

Hope she is better soon.