Deworming chickens is an essential part of maintaining a healthy flock. Worm infestations can lead to weight loss, decreased egg production and even serious health complications if left untreated. While worms are a common issue for chickens, the good news is that with proper care and prevention, you can keep your flock healthy and happy.
Let’s dive into how chickens get worms, signs of infestations and the best ways to prevent and treat them.
How Do Chickens Get Worms?
Chickens can easily pick up worms from the environment. They are often exposed to worm eggs or larvae in soil, droppings or contaminated food and water. Free-ranging flocks are especially at risk because it’s impossible to control everything they peck at while foraging.
While the risk of worms is always present, the benefits of free-ranging—like happier, healthier birds—outweigh the downsides for many chicken keepers. By focusing on prevention, you can minimize the risks and keep your flock worm-free.
Symptoms of Worms in Chickens
Spotting the signs of worms early is key to effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
Weight loss
Decreased egg production
Diarrhea
Dull, lackluster feathers
Lethargy
Visible worms in droppings
If you notice these symptoms, it’s time to take action. Worms in droppings or eggs are a clear indicator of infestation, but other symptoms may overlap with other chicken health issues. Monitor your flock closely to determine the root cause.
Preventing Worms in Chickens
The best way to deal with worms is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some proactive steps to keep your flock healthy:
Start Strong: A healthy immune system is your flock’s first line of defense. Products like Chicken E-lixir, which contains oregano essential oil, can help support gut health and naturally deter worms. Oregano is known for its antiparasitic properties and helps prevent worms from attaching to the gut wall.
Quarantine New Birds: If you bring in new chickens, quarantine them for at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock. This precaution prevents worms, lice, mites and other diseases from spreading.
Clean and Hygienic Coop: Regularly clean your coop and remove droppings to reduce the risk of worms. Use Coop Recuperate to keep bedding clean and dry while controlling moisture and odors. A clean coop creates a less friendly environment for parasites!
Natural Preventatives: Incorporate garlic, pumpkin seeds and essential oils like oregano into your flock’s diet. While these haven’t been scientifically proven to kill worms, ingredients like essential oils can irritate worms and help prevent them from latching onto the gut wall where they can cause damage to birds.
How to Treat Worms in Chickens
If your flock does end up with worms, acting quickly is critical. Here’s what to do:
1. Treat the Whole Flock
If one chicken has worms, assume the rest are at risk and treat the entire flock. Chickens often share food, water and spaces where worms can spread.
2. Deworming Options
Commercial Dewormers: A reliable way to treat worm infestations that come in liquid, powder or pellet forms. They’re highly effective, but it’s super important to follow the instructions carefully—no winging it here! Be mindful not to overuse dewormers, as this can lead to parasite resistance (yikes!), where worms build up a tolerance to the medication. Many dewormers also have an egg withdrawal period, so you’ll need to hold off on using the eggs for a little while during treatment.
Natural Remedies: For a gentler approach, try the natural options I mentioned above. However, it’s important to remember that the quality and quantity of these natural remedies matter. Always use food-grade ingredients and consult with a poultry health professional if you’re unsure about the correct dosage.
Veterinary Guidance: Severe cases may require veterinary intervention. A poultry vet can recommend the best treatment plan and proper dosing.
3. Manage the Environment
Keep the coop clean, provide fresh water daily and replace bedding regularly. This limits re-infestation and creates a healthier living environment for your flock.
Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to worms in chickens. Start by building strong immune systems, maintaining a clean and healthy coop and using natural products like Chicken E-lixir to support gut health naturally. If worms do show up, act quickly and consult a poultry health professional if needed!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Chicken E-lixir - Daily Vitamin for Chickens Chicken E-lixir is added to drinking water as a daily vitamin for keeping chickens healthy by promoting digestive health. For everyday use, it contains a unique blend of organic oregano essential oil, prebiotics, calcium, vitamins D & E and electrolytes.
Coop Recuperate - Chicken Coop Refresher Coop Recuperate is a safe and natural way to care for your coop. This coop refresher contains organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oil, along with diatomaceous earth to reduce odor and moisture and help improve the quality of your compost.