PoultryTalk.com

Just noticed that Lloyds pharmacy is selling Frontline (for cats and dogs) over the counter.

Is that the spray or spot on?

lol isn't that a human place!!

how odd...

I think they need an AMTRA SQP license to do that. I know I used to be a Qualified SQP for AMTRA when I worked for a very large pet superstore. Had to do an intensive training course and only qualified staff were pemitted to sell it. But then as a pharmacy maybe they are allowed to sell it as perhaps the pharmaceutical license covers both animal and human products??

Lot cheaper to buy on line. Paid £12.50 including post for frontline 3 treatments for up to 10 kilo dog

I buy the big spray bottle for £55 from the vet, lasts ages and treats about 200 birds.

I buy the big spray bottle for £55 from the vet, lasts ages and treats about 200 birds.

I'm buying some from the Vet today, do you buy the 250 or 500 ml bottle? I only have 12 hens (including 3 chicks), so hoping it'll be less than £55. I've been using the same bottle for over a year and been really pleased as the hens have never had any mite/lice problems.

Um not sure about size all I do is ask for the biggest one! think it must be 500ml.

I got the 250 ml bottle, it was £35!! They don't stock the 500 ml at the Vet I use, but offered to order it in for me. I'll see how long this one lasts first though. They were happy to sell it to me for the chickens, was worried they wouldn't as I've heard some people have trouble getting it.

I know my vet won't sell it for chooks so I say it's for the dog, they must think she is a fleabag!!

yes I get mine for my cats and a must for my chickens. They must be well and truely infested as this is the second 500 ml bottle that I have bought from my vet this year, my bottle cost me £48. but having got on my premises 7 cats and over 200 odd chickens, not surprising then that I go through it a lot. but do not use it on your rabbits as it will kill them!!!!!

hate to say this because i just know its going to start an argument, but you shouldn't use it on your chickens either. it can kill them, it contains Fiprinol which is a carcinogen, it can cause cancer a tumors in your birds, the biggest problem with it is that it is absorbed through the skin and in some birds it is passed through to the preen gland, in araucana's it is a killer (found this out at my own birds perol last year). once in the preen glands the bird then ingests it when it sorts its feathers out,

if you google 'effects of fipronil on poultry you will find that it was banned from use on poultry for very good reasons and defra are very strict on the sale and use of it.

I know i am a big kill joy sorry.
Diatom doe's the same job (slower but just as effective) and it costs less, lasts longer and is good for your birds.

Archiesgems has a right to be concerned about using frontline on poultry as it's not licenced for them. However, as a new moderator on the forum, i felt it my duty to ring my vet, and clear up about the use and effects once and for all, and to give correct advice.
Frontline spray is not absorbed into the skin, frontline drops are and work in a different way, through the bloodstream, needless to say some crawling infestations will not be killed by the drops as not all live off blood or bite. Frontline spray works by contact, which means crawlies have to walk over the area which has been sprayed. the drug fipronil does have adverse effects on some breeds of poultry more than others, and also this goes for dogs too. I personally have used frontline spray on my birds for four years and have no ill effects to either my dog, cat or my birds. My vet suggested i use frontline when 4 years ago, a bird i bought back from a show was alive with NFM and i had used every concievable product on the market to no avail! My vet has no worries about perscribing frontline to me for use on my birds, to cover himself he suggests i have a 7 day withdrawal of eggs, but we eat them during this time and have no ill effects from that either. The doseage he suggested was spray under each wing, under the vent, top of the rump, and the back of the neck, once every two months on the show birds as they are bathed regularly, and once every three months on the others. As long as the spray is dry, then you can touch the bird as normal, wearing gloves is a good idea when applying. Just to add, there is no withdrawal with eggs stated as, the product has no testing on poultry, so therefore no trials have been done to determine a withdrawal period. Some vets will ask you to sign a waiver to take the responsibility from them, some won't even let you have frontline if you intend to use it on poultry, it all boils down to what your vet says about it. I do understand that some poultry keepers use it excessively after every show etc. which is totally wrong. But i suppose at the end of the day, it's up to you and your own vet what you do.
JubesX

Thats very good advice Jubes, I also did some research and spoke to my vet and came up with the same as you. I have used it for 2 years now, and even on my micro A class serama's very sparingly of course. I think its all down to moderation and sensible use.

Julia x x

Fipronil is highly toxic to bees, lizards, fish and gallinaceous birds ( I had to look this up - gallinaceous includes domestic poultry, pheasants, partridges and other game birds). It's mainly used for crop spraying and many countries have now banned it because of concerns over entry into water courses. The toxicity is accumulative over a period of time and it can be absorbed thru the skin.
In 2004 crawfish farmers in Louisiana were awarded damages of over $40 million after seepage into the river courses from spraying with Fipronil. There is now some thinking that the loss of hives of bees in the States and the UK may be related to crop spraying as hives in rural areas are being lost but hives in built up areas are thriving despite pollution from cars etc.
I stopped using Frontline on my cats and dogs several years ago and I don't use it on the poultry - better safe than sorry.

Hi, i have only kept birds for 39 years, 3 years studying poultry and avian species at college 24 years in the poultry industry meat and egg management uk and canada. 10 years with HOMOEOPATHY and natural products. i make no medical claims. Always consult a vet. vets out of 7 years studying are lucky to do 6 weeks on birds, we use to get them through our college for 2 weeks. there are some great vets out there who specialise in avian species, power to their elbow. testimonies speak for themselves. happy to help. Keep it natural, always! www.allcreatureshealthcheck.com Colin. call anytime, i will call you back, save your phone bill!