To treat worms in chickens naturally, use diatomaceous earth, pumpkin seeds, garlic, or herbal dewormers like neem and wormwood to promote intestinal health.
Worms in chickens can cause weight loss, poor egg production, and even death if left untreated. While commercial dewormers exist, many chicken owners prefer natural solutions. This guide covers proven home remedies and prevention strategies.
Signs Your Chickens Have Worms
Watch for these symptoms of worm infestation:
- Foamy or abnormal droppings
- Diarrhea
- Pale comb and wattles
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Dirty vent feathers
- Decreased egg production
- Gasping or head-shaking (especially with gapeworms)
You may also spot worms in droppings or notice chickens scratching more than usual. If you’re planning a vacation, check our guide on what to do with chickens when on vacation to ensure proper care.
Common Chicken Worms
Roundworms
These are the most common, growing up to 3 inches long. Visible in droppings during heavy infestations.
Tapeworms
Rare but can grow up to 10 inches. Segments may appear in droppings like rice grains.
Gapeworms
Red, fork-shaped worms that cause respiratory distress. Chickens gasp and stretch their necks.
Cecal Worms
Generally harmless but can carry blackhead disease in mixed flocks with turkeys.
Natural Deworming Treatments
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade DE dehydrates worms. Mix 1/4 cup per 35 oz of feed. Use for 5 consecutive days.
Garlic
Crush 3-4 cloves per gallon of water or mix into feed. Garlic creates an inhospitable gut environment for worms.
Pumpkin Seeds
Contain cucurbitacin which paralyzes worms. Grind seeds and mix into feed at 1 tbsp per chicken daily for 5 days.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 1 tsp per gallon of water. The acidity helps prevent worm infestations. Use plastic waterers only.
Preventing Worm Infestations
Pasture Rotation
Move chickens to fresh ground every few weeks to break worm life cycles. This is more effective than stopping chickens from pecking each other due to stress from parasites.
Clean Coop Practices
Remove droppings regularly and use deep litter method with carbon materials like wood chips.
Probiotics
Add probiotic supplements to feed or water to maintain healthy gut flora that resists parasites.
Grit Supplementation
Provide insoluble grit to help chickens naturally grind up potential worm eggs in their gizzards.
When to Use Chemical Dewormers
For severe infestations, you may need medications like:
- Fenbendazole (Safeguard)
- Levamisole
- Ivermectin (off-label use)
Always consult a veterinarian for proper dosage and withdrawal periods for egg layers. The Backyard Chickens forum offers additional perspectives on treatment options.
Monitoring Effectiveness
After treatment:
- Check droppings for dead worms
- Monitor weight gain
- Watch for improved egg production
- Consider fecal testing 2-3 weeks post-treatment
Natural methods work best as preventatives. For active heavy infestations, chemical intervention may be necessary. Regular observation is key to maintaining a healthy flock.