Alben is an anthelmintic drug for chickens, used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The product destroys parasites of various types, which, settling in the internal organs, cause a lot of trouble to the bird. The medicine in tablets and granules acts quickly and effectively, is well tolerated, and has virtually no side effects. Therefore, it is often prescribed by veterinarians.
Composition, properties and release form
The drug Alben (Albendazole) is an anthelmintic drug taken orally. Prescribed for diseases of chickens caused by parasites or for helminthic infestations. Available in tablets and granules weighing 1.8 grams.
The medicine is packaged in foil blisters, each containing 25 tablets. Blisters are placed in boxes of 1-4 pieces. The granules are sold in matte polymer jars with tight lids from 25 to 500 pieces per container.
Composition of one tablet (granules):
- albendazole – 360 mg;
- lactose – 930 mg;
- calcium stearate – 80 mg;
- starch – 400 mg;
- polyvinylpyrrolidone (povidone) – 30 mg.
The highly effective Alben product has a wide spectrum of action. The drug should be given once, which is convenient for the bird and its owner.
The anthelmintic agent affects parasites that affect the bile ducts, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory organs, and liver. The active substance, quickly absorbed into the stomach walls of chickens, worsens carbohydrate metabolism and reduces the microtubular function of parasites. Soon paralysis and death of the helminths occurs. Dead individuals are excreted in feces.
Indications for use
Signs of parasitic infections in chickens are weight loss, refusal of food and water, weakness and lethargy. When at least one of them appears, laboratory tests are carried out. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment begins. Severe infection leads to death of the bird.
The drug Alben destroys:
- roundworms – gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematodes;
- tapeworms – cestodes and trematodes.
Timely initiation of treatment leads to a complete recovery of the bird.
How much and how to give Alben to chickens?
The drug is prescribed in the presence of helminths and for the prevention of the disease. Most often they use tablets.Instructions for use of the medicine will help you calculate the correct dosage of the drug.
10 mg of the product is required per 1 kg of bird weight. One tablet is designed for 35 kg of weight, and a capsule is designed for 40 kg.
In order for the chicken to receive the medicine, the tablets are ground into powder and mixed with food. Alben is given 2 days in a row in the morning. The bird is not fed the day before.
In the morning, treats are added to the mixture with the medicine so that the chicken completely pecks the food.
Albena tablets are often dissolved and given to laying hens in liquid form. The following calculations are carried out:
- Determine the required amount of medicine for the entire brood.
- Calculate the volume of water drunk by the bird (take the average volume per individual).
- The tablets will be dissolved in this water.
- Each chicken is injected into the larynx with the required dose using a syringe without a needle.
This method is convenient if there are few chickens on the farm. However, liquid medicine is recommended for broilers.
Prevention is carried out twice a year. In spring, Alben is given 1 week before pasture. In the fall, repeat the procedure 4-5 days before moving into the chicken coop.
Consequences of overdose
By feeding from a common feeder, a bird can receive a much larger volume of the drug than it should. If diarrhea, vomiting, or refusal to eat occurs, consult a veterinarian who will help you find the right way to solve the problem.
Side effects of the medicine
If the drug is used correctly, the dosage and proportions specified in the instructions are followed, Alben does not cause side effects.
Contraindications for use
The drug is contraindicated:
- exhausted laying hens;
- sick individuals;
- carriers of infectious diseases;
- chickens that produce marketable eggs;
- poultry being prepared for slaughter.
Alben is not recommended at the beginning of molting (autumn, spring), even if there are signs of infection. The product is replaced with herbal decoctions or pumpkin seeds.
special instructions
Before deworming the entire livestock, 50–100 animals are selected and the drug is fed to them. After 3 days of observation, during the normal course of the study, the remaining chickens are treated.
When using the medicine, the active substance gets into the eggs and meat of chickens. Therefore, after the race of parasites, the birds are not immediately sent to slaughter, but after 7 days. Eggs are not consumed for 4 days.
If the bird is slaughtered ahead of schedule, the meat is boiled and given to the animals for consumption. The same goes for eggs. But these products cannot be consumed by humans even in boiled form. Later, meat and eggs are harmless to humans.
Farmers recommend taking Alben to chickens from 3 months of age. Until this time, herbs are used for prevention, which are crushed and added to feed.
Shelf life and storage conditions of the drug
Alben is stored in the form of tablets or granules in the manufacturer's packaging, closed. Choose a dry and dark corner, inaccessible to children, away from food products and animal feed. Required storage temperature 0–25 °C.
The anthelmintic drug Alben is a toxic substance that requires careful and careful handling. The drug should be stored in places inaccessible to children and pets.
Shelf life 36 months from the date of manufacture. If the terms and conditions of storage are violated, its medicinal qualities are lost.
Analogues of the product
The drug has several analogues that are used for the same purposes. The most popular anthelmintic drugs are:
- Alvet. The active substance is albendazole.Area of action: adults and larvae of parasitic organisms. In addition to the main elements, the composition includes vitamin E. The method of application is the same as for the drug Alben.
- Biofermin. The active ingredient of the drug is flubendazole. The bird receives the medicine for 7 days.
- Piperazine. The main substance is piperazine adipate. Treatment – two days.
- Tetramisole. The active substance is tetramizole hydrochloride. Single dose.
- Fenbendazole. Low-toxic product, convenient for collective treatment of birds.
Alben is an effective medicine for eliminating and preventing helminthic infestations in chickens. The drug should be used strictly according to the instructions after prior consultation with a veterinarian. If the medicine is not available on pharmacy shelves, analogues are used.
