I know I asked this last year, but maybe y'all can indulge me again. What is the youngest age it is safe to worm the kids? My three week olds are already looking like they could use it. Thanks.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), January 28, 2002

Answers

Hi Mary, I'd certainly go ahead and deworm them - I usually do my first deworming at 2 weeks, give or take a few days. Using Fenbendazole (Safeguard) can't hurt, and should do the trick at 3 to 4 times the labeled dosage... but certainly give a 2nd followup dose about 10 days to 2 weeks following, then get a fecal sample checked if you can, to be sure they're clean at that point. 4-6 weeks is also the prime age for coccidiosis to strike their vulnerable intestines..so treating with Albon or Corid or other suitable product would be appropriate too. Hope that's helpful to you. :)) patty Prairie Oak Miniatures http://www.minifarm.com/prairie_oak visit our message board! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Littlegoats moderator

-- Patty Putnam (WI) (littlegoats@wi.rr.com), January 28, 2002.

Nearly the same as Patty. We don't fecal sample kids, we simply worm and cocci treat period. We start a few days before they turn 3 weeks old. The lifecycle for most worms and cocci are 21 days, so we want them on protection by then. I worm them, treat for cocci for 5 days with sulfaquinoxiline 20% 2cc per 50 pounds by mouth (pipevet.com ask them to cut you down the gallon to a pint) and then repeat every 21 days until well grown. I only use Valbazen, 8cc per 100 pounds on my kids, it is the broadest specturm, keeps tape worm at bay and works for us. We fecal sample starting about 4 months of age. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 29, 2002.