pullusleggus Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Hi all. I've a young chicken, well short of POL, who has gapeworm I reckon. She has gone slowly downhill despite vet treatment but the gapeworm theory is only a recent one - she only hiccups slightly. I've started her on Flubenvet today but I think she is no longer eating. i've given her a does of nutri-drops and force fed her some chick crumb with greek yoghurt (all I had handy). Is there anything else I should do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 I believe if it is gapeworm you need to double dose the Flubenvet as normal dose doesn't treat. There is another treatment vet can administer so might be worth taking her. Also, can apparently see them sometimes by looking down throat so may be worth trying or getting vet to look to confirm diagnosis? Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 Did you see a vet who is knowledgable about chickens? There is a list on the forum. Gapeworm is not that common. What makes you think it is that? Other respiratory infections are more common and may respond to appropriate antibiotics. I'd take her back to a chicken-friendly vet. Good luck with her. I hope she picks up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 I think that you need to confirm the diagnosis. What makes you think it is gapeworm? It sounds like another trip to a vet is required if she is not eating. I personally am not a fan of giving dairy to poultry as they can't digest it. Porridge or weetabix make up with water can encourage some birds to eat when they are unwell, or some mealworm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pullusleggus Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 Thanks for all the advice. She has perked up since the force feed and was eating OK by bedtime, drinking too. She had antibiotics by injection before this from a well informed vet. I have assumed gapeworm due to her repeated hiccup moves and some more typical signs and moves yesterday. I shall not be buying from that breeder again! I shall try the double dose Flubenvet. I was wondering about strengthening the dose anyway since she was eating so little. Having seen her recovery so far I would definitely consider force feeding in such circumstances again, but maybe I'll skip greek yoghurt if I can find an alternative! By the way I should point out that my force feeding was much more gentle than it sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 hicuppy ??? could you describe more.. I thought gaping as in gape worm was more like constant yawning or arranging of the crop. I feel sure i read that a torch down the throat was easy to see gape worm???? If it is like neck dancing could she have a sour crop ???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
