Aussie Finch Forum

can you worm zebra finches while thay have ckicks in the nest. what is the best wormer you can get?

Some medications are safe to use with chicks in the nest, others are not. Moxidectin plus is a good one, and can be used with chicks in the nest. Good to have a change of medications every now and then though.

I do mine every 3months when i do the Gouldians so really every finch i have gets it every 3months. Stars, Longtails.

'Moxidectin plus' is pretty safe to use.

I was advised not to use Moxidectin+ with young chicks in the nest (maybe up to a week old). If I recall correctly, it can potentially inhibit the begging response and hence you can run the risk of young chicks starving. I stand to be corrected by one of the "most knowledgeable's" on AFF.

Wne I first started using Moxidectin I actually rang the Aust Pigeon company when my birds were due to be treated.
I explained that my birds were due to be treated again but I had 10 day old and 14 days chicks in one aviary. The lady at Aust Pigeon said not to treat those birds that are feeding young.
Young must be feeding independently before moxidectin is administered.

Never been told not to but choose to not worm birds while they have young in the nest .

Well there you go! I'm sure the old pigeon co site used to say that it was safe for use during breeding.

Quick google search showed this from the pigeon co site:
Moxidectin - A clear water-soluble wormer that not only eliminates roundworms and hairworms but also eradicates all external parasites (including airsac mites) that feed off body fluid. Readily taken by the birds, there is no need to withhold food. The wormer of choice during racing, breeding and moulting.

Lucky you've called up and asked BB. No more treating while nesting. Would still like to hear a vet's input though... Myzo? Danny?

I use it regularly with no loss of young birds at all stages. Equimax liquid (horse wormer) is another really good finch wormer @2ml/litre in drinking water. It does tapeworm as well & doesn't taint the flavour of the water too much at such a weak dilution.

That is correct Sam.

I spoke to Colin Walker who sells the product and he advised exactly the same thing- that as it works by blocking nerve impulses from crossing the nerve-muscle junction, it can do so in very young chicks and has caused poor begging responses in some chicks. That is why he doesn't recommend it for very young chicks.
Ivermectin would potentially cause the same thing as it works the same way. It is most likely a dose-dependent effect and affect chicks more during times of hot weather or species which drink more like parrot-finches.

My personal preference is still for moxidectin over ivermectin. It has a broader spectrum of activity and is more stable when mixed in water. The addition of praziquantel to either product (as a tapewormer) is essential in any wormer used for finches, particularly the insectivorous species, as Tiaris has mentioned.