Moxidectin - How safe is it?

Etsu10 · **Joined:** Sat Sep 21, 2013 6:30 pm **Posts:** 13

Is moxidectin safe to use? I'm a bit nervous about the mectins (primarily because of problems ivermectin causes when overdosing occurs). I was thinking about weighing my chickens and giving them a dose of moxidectin based on weight? Has anyone had any adverse effects when using moxidectin on their chickens?

Also is it okay to give to chickens that are sickly? I have a couple birds with respiratory issues (one with chronic resp issues) who are currently on antibiotics, and another bird recovering from a sour crop.

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Moxidectin is one of the safest wormers you can use on any bird.
I would have no hesitation in recommending it, even in breeding birds or those that are unwell.

Chicka-Dee · **Joined:** Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:12 am **Posts:** 1194

If Parvo says yes then I say go for it.

Parvo is our wise guru on the forum :-D

Just learnt something for the day about Moxidectin [smilie=a_goodjobson.gif]

Is there a withholding period after use for the consumption of eggs Parvo?

Cheers
Chicka-Dee

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Unfortunately, Chicka-Dee, it has the same problem as many medications in that it is not registered for egg-laying poultry, so has no official withholding period

In sheep the witholding period is 7 days for meat consumption and the sheep formulation is the one most commonly used.

I would not eat eggs for at least 1 week after worming but no one really knows as the work has not been done.

Interestingly Nilverm/Levamisole/Kilverm- which all contain Levamisole as the active worming drug and are commonly used in poultry- also have a 7 day witholding period for meat but no witholding period for eggs ie they can be eaten even during worming.

In summary, moxidectin is very safe for the birds but the whole issue of withholding periods is unresolved.
Levamisole has a smaller safety margin for the birds ie it is easier to overdose especially in hot weather but has no witholding period.
The one you choose is up to personal choice and it is good to rotate the type of wormer periodically anyway.

Etsu10 · **Joined:** Sat Sep 21, 2013 6:30 pm **Posts:** 13

Excellent. I'll start the worming tonight (have 18 birds to dose). Thanks Parvo [smilie=a_goodjobson.gif]

I think I'll just do a 7 day withholding period.

parvo · **Joined:** Sat Jan 02, 2010 7:39 pm **Posts:** 735

Good luck with it. Let us know if you have any problems.

Blak1 · **Posted:** Mon Oct 28, 2013 9:04 pm

I used it (moxy max cattle pour on - 4 drops per bird) (after the no-name surface spray to take care of visible crawlies) on my flock - effective with no dramas.

I wouldn't handle it if preggers. I'm not and some got on my fingers etc, no ill effects. I waited a week before eating eggs - just to be safe.

I'll continue to use it - far easier to use a syringe than wrestle tablets down their throats!

AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Moxidectin - How safe is it?

Who is on the Forum