Blackbird with Gape Worm

[Daisy M]

Not the greatest shots, but this Blackbird comes in the house it is so tame, but today it cannot close it's beak, nor eat. Looked it up & it seems it has a Gape Worm, which it may recover from. Anyone else have experience of this?

4S7A4701 by David Miller, on Flickr

4S7A4705 by David Miller, on Flickr

[Trev B]

Re: Blackbird with Gape Worm

Hi David. Gapeworm also called syngamus is treatable, but the bird needs to be captured and treated with ivermectin which is obtainable from a vet.
If you can manage catch the bird you will most likely be able to see the small red worms attached to the trachea.
Rather distressing I know to see it like this, but capture may be even more distressing for it.

[Daisy M]

Re: Blackbird with Gape Worm

Thanks Trev, should be easy to catch when it comes in the kitchen doorway, but as you say would I stress it out to much?
Dave

[Trev B]

Re: Blackbird with Gape Worm

I think your best option would be to take it to a local vet. We have treated birds with the condition in the past, but you need to know what you are doing. keeping in mind the bird will need feeding during treatment. The ball is in your court, do you step in and try and help it or do you let nature take its course.