What age to treat for flukes and worms?

[spencer]

I was wondering at what age is it safe to use Fluke and tapeworm tabs and also levimasole (sykes bigL pig & poultry wormer) on fry
They are only five weeks old at present
Thanks for any help
Max

[Merrilyn]

Hi Max, I wouldn't be treating just yet. Do you have any reason to think they might have flukes or worms?

We need to be aware that all these treatments are a form of mild poison, otherwise they wouldn't kill off the flukes and worms. The idea is to get the dose just right, strong enough to kill the parasite, but not so strong that it will harm the host.

If you can hold off, I'd rather treat them at about 6 months of age when they are stronger, unless they are showing definate signs of problems.

[spencer]

Thankyou Ladyred,
The fry are all doing fine, They are now about 6 weeks old and eating me out of house and home. I was just thinking about worming them after you said you did yours every 6 months but just didnt know when to start. Occasionally one may have a quick scratch but I dont think it is serious
I will steer clear of any meds for a while
Thankyou again
Max