Worms in Chickens? Know the Signs & How to Treat!

Worms in chickens can be sneaky troublemakers! These tiny internal parasites, often invisible to the naked eye, silently harm the poultries. From roundworms to tapeworms, they can impact the digestive system, growth, egg production, and even death if left untreated.

Worms lay eggs in droppings, and chickens can pick them up while pecking around. Or they may get it when we offer them to feed. For this, you may need a vet check or medication. To prevent this, clean the coop, build deep litter, and move them to fresh areas.

The good news is, with some simple knowledge, you can easily identify the signs, and treat the problem. Let’s talk about this in detail!

What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Worms in Chickens?

Chickens with worms might show a variety of signs. So, watch out for these common things –

• Weight Loss: Even though they might eat more, worms steal nutrients, making chickens lose weight.
• Pale Comb and Wattles: These normally bright red areas turn pale due to anemia from worms.
• Lethargy and Drooping: Worms can make chickens sluggish and disinterested in their surroundings.
• Diarrhea: Runny droppings can indicate irritation in the intestines caused by worms.
• Bubbly Feces: If you notice bubbly or foamy feces, it could indicate worm presence.
• Reduced Egg Production: Worms can affect a chicken’s health and disrupt egg laying.
• Dirty Vent Area: Worms can irritate the vent, leading to soiled feathers.
• In Severe Cases: You might even see worms in chicken poop or droppings directly by your eyes.

Except for the given signs, you may notice slow growth, ruffled feathers, and a droopy appearance or greenish feces.

Types of Worms in Chickens and Their Effect

Chickens can get many types of worms, all causing them problems. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Tapeworms: These flat, ribbon-like worms steal nutrients.
2. Roundworms: These spaghetti-like worms live in the intestines and can block them.
3. Gapeworms: These nasty worms live in the windpipe, making chickens gasp for air.
4. Cecal worms: These tiny worms live in the ceca (part of the intestines) and irritate.
5. Capillary worms: These hair-thin worms live in the intestines and suck blood.
6. Gizzard worms: These worms live in the gizzard (grinding stomach) and can affect digestion.
7. Ascaridia: This is another type of roundworm that can cause serious illness.

How Do Chickens Get Worms?

Chickens can contract intestinal worms through various routes. To help you know about it, let me share the possible facts that infect your chickens:

Fecal-Oral Route

Chickens release parasite eggs in their droppings. Other chickens can ingest these eggs while pecking and scratching at the litter and soil. Once ingested, the eggs hatch inside the chicken, leading to worm infestations.

Intermediate Hosts

Some worms are indirectly transmitted through intermediate hosts, including:

• Chickens may consume earthworms containing worm eggs.
• Snails and Slugs can carry worm eggs that chickens may ingest.
• Insects (such as ants, beetles, and flies) can act as carriers of worm eggs.
• Chickens can acquire worms from wild birds that carry worm eggs.

Direct Life Cycle

Worm eggs are excreted in droppings by an infected bird. These eggs remain on the ground. Chickens directly consume these eggs while foraging. 

Are chicken worms harmful to humans?

No, in most cases, chicken worms are not harmful to humans.

The worms that infect chickens are typically different species from those that can infect humans. This means they can’t survive or reproduce inside our bodies.

How to Prevent and Treat Worms in Chickens?

Worms are a common issue in chickens, but with a little knowledge, you can keep your flock healthy and worm-free. Here’s a guide on prevention and treatment.

How to Prevent Worms in Chickens?

A clean coop is key! Regularly remove droppings and replace litter to reduce worm egg build-up.

Rotate your chickens’ run area to fresh ground every few weeks. This helps prevent a build-up of worm larvae in the soil.

Limited Contact with wild birds is crucial! Wild birds can carry worms, so minimize their access to your coop and run.

Provide a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals. It’s to keep your chickens healthy and resistant to worms.

How to Treat Worms in Chickens Naturally?

I have plenty of natural or herbal dewormer options for you! Here is the list!

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: Some chicken keepers add diluted apple cider vinegar to the drinking water. While it might create an unfriendly environment for worms, its effectiveness as a true dewormer is not scientifically proven.
2. Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a natural dewormer for some parasites. However, it may not be effective against all types of worms and requires large quantities to be effective.

I would say diatomaceous earth and garlic can also be effective!

Here is a video to get more help for using diatomaceous earth.

Or you can see the video for other natural ways to remove worms from your poultries.

What Chemical Dewormers to Use for Chickens?

You have chemical dewormers for chickens. It contains synthetic things (e.g., albendazole, levamisole, ivermectin, fenbendazole, or flubenvet).

Besides, trying the following options might help. 

1. Feed Medications: These are mixed into chicken feed. It’s a convenient way to deworm your entire flock.
2. Water Medications: These are added to the drinking water. You can use this for treating individual chickens or small flocks.
3. Injectable Dewormers: These are administered directly to the chicken. You use it typically for severe infestations or individual treatment.

Some Other Tips to Deworm Your Chickens

1. First, you’ll need a prescription from a vet or complete a declaration form online.
2. Choose a licensed supplier that requires a form or SQP information before purchase.
3. Flubenvet/Flubendazole should be used twice a year, in spring and autumn.
4. Other options include Ivermectin drops and Piperazine (prescribed by vets).
5. Natural, non-prescription solutions include herbal products like Verm-X (which doesn’t kill Gapeworm).
6. Regularly move chickens to fresh ground to prevent worm build-up.
7. Use ground sanitizing powder to kill worm larvae.

Deworming Schedule: At What Age Should Chickens Be Wormed?

The frequency of deworming depends on several factors.

Chicks are more susceptible to worms and may need deworming every 4-6 weeks until they are older.

Warm, humid climates favor worm development, so deworming may be needed more frequently. If you suspect a worm infestation, consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis, first.

How Do You Know Your Chickens Are Worm-free?

It’s hard to tell if your chickens are completely free of worms. Sometimes, chickens can have a few worms without showing any signs of being sick.

Worm eggs are too small to see without a microscope. So you can’t always see if your chickens have worms.

But some signs might mean your chickens have worms:

• Look for diarrhea, bloody poop, or very pale poop, which could mean they have worms.
• If your chicken is still not laying as many eggs.
• When your chickens seem really tired even after deworming.

Related Articles:

• 5 Treatment for Lice and Mites in Chicken Coop
• Rickets in Chickens: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

FAQs

Check out the following questions to get more untold facts about worms in poultries.

Conclusion

Dealing with worms in chickens can be tricky! These little troublemakers can hide inside chickens without showing any signs. Keep an eye out for changes in poop, weight loss, or tiredness in your chickens. If you suspect worms, you can do a poop test or get help from a vet.

Remember, keeping a clean coop and providing a balanced diet can help prevent worms. You can also try natural dewormers like pumpkin seeds or chemical dewormers prescribed by a vet. And don’t forget to move your chickens to fresh ground regularly!