Chickens Have Worms? Here’s How to Tell (And Fix It Naturally!)

Worm Infestation is a frustrating situation for every poultry owner. Worms can cause weight loss, reduced egg production, and lethargy in chickens. You can also see worms in their droppings. Ugh!

Now, How to Deworm a Chicken Naturally? There are natural ways to deworm chickens without harsh chemicals. These methods include dietary changes, adding certain herbs to their feed, and improved coop management. I would say garlic, pumpkin seeds, and diatomaceous earth as the best solution.

Thinking about how to use such things to deworm chickens? Let me guide you with all these things! It’s natural and easier than you think!

How to Deworm a Chicken Naturally? 6 Organic Solutions for You!

Worms can be a real nuisance for your feathered friends. While natural methods can be effective for mild infestations, I’ll share how the natural method works. Here’s a breakdown of common chicken worms and natural approaches:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Effective for Roundworms and possibly tapeworms (studies ongoing).

How it works? ACV creates an acidic environment in the gut, which discourages worms.

Dosage? 1 teaspoon per gallon of drinking water for 3-5 days.

Caution? Too much ACV can upset your chickens’ stomachs.

2. Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE):

Effective for Roundworms and some external parasites like mites.

How it works? DE dehydrates worms, causing them to die. Remember, A light sprinkle of DE in the nesting boxes can help control worms transmitted through eggshells.

Dosage? Mix 1% DE (100 grams) with 1 kilogram of feed for 7-10 days.

Caution? Wear a mask when handling DE to avoid inhaling dust. Consult a vet for an appropriate amount in your chickens’ dust bath. This can help with external parasites and some internal worms.

3. Garlic

Giving chickens Garlic is effective for Roundworms.

How it works? Garlic may disrupt the worms’ digestive system.

Dosage? Finely chop 1 clove of garlic per bird and mix it into their feed for 3 days.

Caution? Large amounts can be toxic. Use sparingly.

4. Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are effective for Roundworms and tapeworms.

How it works? Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, which can paralyze worms.

Dosage? Grind a handful of pumpkin seeds and mix them into their feed for a few days.

I think the video can help you use pumpkins to deworm chickens naturally.

5. Herbs:

Certain herbs for chickens have potential worm-repelling properties:

• Wormwood: This herb has been used traditionally for deworming. However, it can be toxic to chickens in high doses. Consult a veterinarian before using it.
• Cloves: Studies suggest cloves may have anti-parasitic properties. Grind a small amount (consult a vet for dosage) and mix it into feed for a short period.
• Oregano: Oregano oil may have some worm-repelling effects. Again, consult a vet for a safe dosage before using.

6. Other Options

Aside from all these natural solutions, some others are –

• Coconut Oil: This oil can boost the immune system and may have some anti-parasitic properties. Mix a small amount (consult a vet for dosage) into feed for a short period.
• Carrot Tops: While not a direct dewormer, carrot tops contain vitamins and antioxidants that can support a healthy gut environment, potentially discouraging worms. Offer them as a treat.

12 Preventive Measures for Deworming Chickens Naturally

Worms can be a real downer for your feathered friends. Luckily, there are several natural ways you can create a healthy environment that discourages worms and keeps your chickens thriving.

Here are some key preventive measures:

1. Cleanliness is Key: Regularly clean your coop to remove droppings and prevent worm eggs from accumulating. Deep clean and disinfect the coop at least quarterly.
2. Bedding Matters: Use dry, well-ventilated bedding like pine shavings or chopped straw. Change it frequently to prevent moisture buildup, which attracts worms.
3. Minimize Wild Bird Contact: Wild birds can carry worms. Limit their access to your coop and run by installing fencing with a small mesh size.
4. Balanced Feed: Provide your chickens with a high-quality, balanced feed that meets their nutritional needs. A healthy gut environment is less susceptible to worms.
5. Variety is Spice of Life: Supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Pumpkin seeds, for example, are a natural dewormer you can offer as a treat.
6. Probiotics Power: Consider adding a poultry probiotic to their water or feed. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria that compete for space and resources with harmful worms.
7. Quarantine New Birds: Always quarantine new chickens before introducing them to your established flock. This helps prevent the spread of parasites, including worms.
8. Limited Contact with Other Animals: Minimize contact with other animals like wild birds or rodents that can carry worms.
9. Age Matters: Young chicks are more susceptible to worms. Provide them with extra care and monitor them closely.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar: Adding a teaspoon of ACV per gallon of drinking water can create an unwelcoming environment for worms.
11. Garlic Power: Small amounts of chopped garlic (consult a vet for dosage) mixed into feed occasionally may help deter worms.
12. Diatomaceous Earth (DE): A light sprinkle of DE in a dust bath can be helpful for managing external parasites and some internal worms. Always consult a vet for proper usage.

Note: Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, and Diatomaceous Earth can be used before and even after the worm infestation. These are any-time remedies for chickens.

 When Can I Deworm My Chicken?

Deworming is quite helpful for chickens and it’s pretty clear. But when to deworm them? Learn from the given guides –

• Preventative vs. Reactive: Deworming can be done proactively to prevent worms or reactively after noticing signs of infection.
• Seasonal: Many deworm flocks seasonally, like in spring and fall.
• Fecal Testing: A more targeted approach involves fecal tests to confirm worm presence before deworming.
• Signs of Worms: Deworm if you see lethargy, weight loss, pale combs, diarrhea, or bloody eggs.
• Consult Your Vet: Always consult your vet before deworming for proper diagnosis and treatment advice.
• Age Matters: Chicks are more susceptible, discuss a deworming plan with your vet.
• Weather: Consider more frequent deworming in warmer months when worm activity might be higher.
• Natural Methods: This can be helpful for prevention or mild cases, but consult a vet for severe infestations.

FAQs

Want to know more about deworming chickens? Let’s give you more facts about worm infestation.

Q: What kills worms in chickens?

A: Several things kill worms in chickens, including medication from a vet, some natural methods (like diatomaceous earth), and a healthy gut environment.

Q: Can aloe vera deworm chicken?

A: There’s no scientific evidence that aloe vera deworms chickens. Consult a vet before using it, as it might be harmful.

Q: What spices deworm chickens?

A: Some spices like garlic and cloves have worm-repelling properties, but research is limited. Consult a vet for safe dosages before using them.

Q: Can you eat eggs after worming chickens?

A: It depends on the dewormer used. Follow the medication instructions or consult your vet for egg withdrawal times after worming.

Q: What are the best deworming medicine for poultry?

A: The best dewormer depends on the type of worm and your specific situation. Consult a veterinarian for the safest and most effective medication for your flock.

Final Word

Natural deworming methods can be effective for maintaining chicken health. From apple cider vinegar to pumpkin seeds, these solutions offer safe alternatives to chemical treatments. However, they work best for prevention and mild infestations.

Remember, severe worm problems may require veterinary intervention. Always monitor your flock closely and maintain a clean, healthy environment. By combining natural remedies with good management practices, you can keep your chickens happy and worm-free.