Piperazine De-Wormer?

[Skull Lofts]

Photo of my Staff Van Reet hens dropings...........  Not sure if this is normal!  There are long dark things in the droppings. She's the only one in the loft dropping like this, if any race pro can help me I'd apreciate it, need advice on this before I go to Vet. I don't see eggs or worms in the droppings, just these long dark things............  

 

nothing to worry about, its only part of the dropping hanging loose.

[Guest Mader631]

Good to hear that it's normal................ was worried.  So this is normal?  This is my 1st year with Homers, had feral pigeons when I was a kid, I'm 34 so it's been awhile.  Thanks for the info.! Much appreciated............

[Guest strapper]

i would suggest a test on the droppings....i will pm you with what i think.

[Guest IB]

 

do all pigeons need dewormed as a matter of course just to be on the safe side, or do they need it as a specific treatment,.ie if you suspect worms are present?

 

I've only wormed my birds once after an end of season droppings test two years ago showed up hairworm. I was advised to use Harkers Harka-Verm, active ingredient Levamisole. Last year the same test was negative for worms, so didn't see need to treat for something the birds don't have.

[MsPigeon]

 

do all pigeons need dewormed as a matter of course just to be on the safe side, or do they need it as a specific treatment,.ie if you suspect worms are present?

 

I think it depends on your situation. I worm once or twice a year. But I have a farm, and the pigeons often peck around on the ground and pick them up. Sometimes I see the birds pass a worm, then I know I better worm them all. I have seen birds pass a pigeon egg sized ball of worms before a couple hours after worming. But since I have gotton on a worming schedule for all our animals I've not seen the pigeons pass any. I use Ivomec, individual treatment, 2-3 drops per bird, in the mouth. But I've seen worms building up a tolerance to Ivomec in my goat herd. The new trend is to get away from regular worming, with goats anyway. It is like giving your birds insecticide, so testing first is the best route. You can do a fecal  float test by droping poop in sugar solution and see what flaots up. Some worm types require a microscope though.

Thats why it was easier just to worm them and be on the safe side. But not best for the birds.

Good Luck

Carol