Check for symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, changes in droppings, or visible worms in feces to determine if your chickens have worms.
Worms are a common issue for backyard chickens, but many owners miss the early signs. Left untreated, worms can cause serious health problems in your flock. This guide will help you spot symptoms, prevent infestations, and treat affected birds.
Common Signs Your Chickens Have Worms
Watch for these warning signs that may indicate a worm problem:
- Weight loss despite normal eating – Worms steal nutrients from your chickens
- Diarrhea or watery droppings – Especially if persistent
- Pale combs and wattles – Can indicate anemia from blood loss
- Dull, ruffled feathers – Poor nutrient absorption affects plumage
- Visible worms in droppings – Some types are large enough to see
- Decreased egg production – Hens may stop laying or produce pale yolks
- Lethargy and weakness – Birds may appear depressed or tail down
Types of Worms That Affect Chickens
| Worm Type | Location | Visible? |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworms | Intestines | Yes (up to 3 inches) |
| Tapeworms | Intestines | Sometimes (segments) |
| Gapeworms | Trachea | No |
| Capillary worms | Crop/esophagus | No |
| Cecal worms | Ceca | Sometimes |
How Chickens Get Worms
Chickens typically contract worms through:
- Eating infected insects like beetles or earthworms
- Pecking at contaminated soil or droppings
- Drinking from dirty water sources
- Contact with wild birds carrying parasites
Wet conditions accelerate worm egg development. According to Chicken Coach, heavy rains create ideal environments for worm infestations.
Preventing Worm Infestations
Coop Maintenance
- Clean and rotate free-range areas regularly
- Keep bedding dry – change at least weekly
- Disinfect feeders and waterers frequently
- Use diatomaceous earth in dust baths
Natural Prevention Methods
- Add garlic to drinking water (1 clove per gallon)
- Feed pumpkin seeds (natural dewormer)
- Offer apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per gallon of water)
- Provide fresh herbs like oregano and thyme
For more on maintaining a healthy coop environment, see our guide on introducing chickens to a new coop.
Treating Worms in Chickens
If you suspect worms, take these steps:
- Separate affected birds immediately
- Collect a fecal sample for vet testing
- Administer appropriate dewormer
- Clean and disinfect the entire coop
- Repeat treatment as directed (usually 10-14 days later)
Common Deworming Options
- Fenbendazole (SafeGuard, Panacur) – Effective against most worms
- Ivermectin – Treats external and internal parasites
- Levamisole – Good for roundworms and cecal worms
- Praziquantel – Specifically for tapeworms
Always follow withdrawal periods for egg-laying hens. The Strong Animals team recommends natural prevention first, but veterinary treatment when needed.
When to Call a Vet
Seek professional help if:
- Multiple birds show severe symptoms
- Birds stop eating entirely
- You see blood in droppings
- Standard treatments aren’t working
- You suspect gapeworms (causing breathing issues)
For more on chicken health issues, read about why chickens die suddenly.
Quarantine New Birds
Always quarantine new chickens for 2-3 weeks before introducing them to your flock. This prevents introducing new parasites. During quarantine:
- Keep new birds completely separate
- Deworm as a precaution
- Watch for any signs of illness
Long-Term Worm Management
Prevent recurring problems with these strategies:
- Rotate pasture areas to break worm life cycles
- Keep grass short in runs (sunlight kills worm eggs)
- Provide clean, fresh water daily
- Maintain good nutrition to boost immunity
- Monitor droppings regularly for signs of worms
Remember that healthy chickens with strong immune systems can often manage small worm loads naturally. Focus on prevention through good husbandry practices.