what wormers do

[zeldalithgow]

you all use for tapeworm?

I've tended to stick to the Strongid P granules in the past, but just thought that a change maybe a good idea

[harveydales]

I've used the Strongoid one in the past and more recently the Equimax which does tape worm and other worms. However, now I worm very little and will stop worming Quest altogether, I think, don't want to risk another Lami attack.

[khristyne]

I use equitape or pramox (equest/equitape combined)

[bevbob]

We use equitape on the farm and have done since I got there nearly 4 years ago. It worries me that we use the same wormers year on year although I heard that it is now best to keep them on the same wormers??? does anyone know any more info on this?

[DalesLady]

I havent heard that Bev, but I was told to use Equimax this year again, even though I tend to always seem to use ivermectin based products. It simply seems to be the one which clears most things (not encysted small redworm) I believe, which I need to use Equest for at some point, but with infoal and lactating mare, I don't have too many choices and cannot use that now. The vet did say that there are not many resistant worms around at the moment, so it shouldn't be a problem using ivermectin again.

[harveydales]

I haven't heard that either, Bev. The last I heard was still the idea of keeping them on a single type of wormer for a whole year and then changing it the next, sort of putting them on a 3 year cycle to avoid building up resistance. This doesn't make sense to me because they are still telling you to use a selection of wormers to cover tape worm, bots and the larval stages so you end up using a variety of wormers in any one year anyway (don't know if this makes sense but I know what I mean lol).

I'm lucky in that I can keep my 3 on my own land which I poo pick daily and so rarely need to worm now.

[DalesLady]

i think it helps here too, as we have cross grazed with sheep and cattle - always a good thing

[bevbob]

Iv always thought that too Pam, it was something I read in a horsey magazine a good while back.
We use Equest and Equitape, nothing else.

[harleydales]

It is so hard to use differnet types, because when you look at what is in them, they nearly all have ivermectin in them. To completely change type you almost need to use a specific wormer for each worm, so end up using lots of different ones - not easy when your horse doesn't like the stuff.

I graze sheep with mine, and harrow the fields so only worm twice a year.
I'm seriously thinking about worm counting and going from there - I hate using these chemicals and if I don't have to would rather not.

has anyone used Vermex (i think) - it is a natural wormer, no chemicals.

[Debbie]

I've seen in the US where they've gone from altering the wormers, and doing the worming every 6 weeks, to deciding they need more 'unresistant' worms in the genepool to keep the dewormers working properly. Apparently all we were being left with were the super resistant worms with super resistant genes. By leaving some worms that were susciptible to the dewormers, you leave their offspring with genes that are also susciptible.

For Blossom, once a month, I give her diatomaceous earth in her bucket feeds for three days in a row. It works mechanically (sorta like shards of glass) so the worms don't build an immunity.

I won't completely turn my back to dewomers, though. Twice a year, I give her Iverease to be sure to cross catch anything that the diatomaceous earth might leave behind.

[harveydales]

Debbie - I've used diatomaceous earth for my hens but not the horses. How much to you give Blossom in a feed? Yhat might be a good idea for Quest. I'm also interested in any one with personal experience using Vermex on their horses. I simply daren't risk worming Quest conventionally again.

[Debbie]

Blossom gets 8 oz each bucket feed, which is soaked beetpulp. I wondered at first if she'd eat it, but she adores the diatomaceous earth, and licks the bucket clean. Its twice daily, for three days in a row, once a month.

My hens love it too. I sprinkle some in their feed and also offer some in a pan for a dust bath. It certainly keeps away any mites.

[harveydales]

Thanks Debbie. How do you get hold of it in "horse type" quantities?

[Debbie]

I order it from Frank Lampley in Pennsylvania. franklampley.com/cgi-bin/lampley/commerce.pl?cart_id=1191761963.1548&product=Horse_products&pid=55

He calls it Basic Mineral. Its diatomaceous earth and some other trace minerals.

I've talked to his people before, and he said they could deliver to the UK as well. No idea on shipping costs, but the company's always been excellent to deal with. And the five gallon bucket only weighs 18lbs. One pail sees Blossom through practically the whole year.

[zeldalithgow]

Found this Pam www.holisticpetsupplies.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=476&osCsid=314e3051476880282276286f12f45502

and this www.bitlessbridle.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=232