You should deworm chickens every 3 to 6 months, or as needed based on fecal tests and signs of worm infestations.
Keeping your chickens healthy means staying on top of parasite control. Worms can silently rob your flock of nutrients, reduce egg production, and even cause death in severe cases. But how often should you actually deworm your chickens?
Recommended Deworming Frequency for Chickens
The ideal deworming schedule depends on several factors:
- Every 3-6 months for most backyard flocks
- Twice yearly (spring and fall) for stationary coops
- As needed based on fecal tests
Chickens in stationary coops need more frequent deworming than those in rotational grazing systems. The ground becomes contaminated with worm eggs over time, increasing reinfection risk.
Signs Your Chickens Need Deworming
Watch for these symptoms of worm overload:
| Symptom | Possible Worm Type |
|---|---|
| Pale comb/wattles | Roundworms, tapeworms |
| Weight loss | All types |
| Diarrhea | Capillary worms |
| Gasping (neck stretching) | Gapeworms |
| Visible worms in droppings | Roundworms |
Common Chicken Worms and Treatments
1. Roundworms (Ascaridia galli)
The most common chicken worm. Adults can grow up to 4.5 inches long. According to PoultryDVM, roundworms cause the most economic losses in poultry worldwide.
Treatment Options:
- Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard)
- Piperazine (Wazine)
- Ivermectin (off-label use)
2. Tapeworms
Flat, segmented worms that rob nutrients. Require intermediate hosts like snails or beetles.
Treatment Options:
- Praziquantel
- Fenbendazole
3. Gapeworms (Syngamus trachea)
Live in the trachea, causing gasping. Spread through earthworms and slugs.
Treatment Options:
- Flubendazole
- Ivermectin
Natural Deworming Methods
Many chicken keepers prefer natural options between chemical treatments:
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth: Mix 2% into feed
- Pumpkin seeds: Contain cucurbitacin which paralyzes worms
- Garlic: Natural antiparasitic properties
- Apple cider vinegar: Creates hostile gut environment
While these methods help, they shouldn’t replace proper dewormers for heavy infestations. As noted by The Chicken Chick, natural methods work best as preventatives rather than treatments.
Preventing Worm Infestations
Good management reduces worm problems:
- Rotate pastures regularly
- Keep coops dry and clean
- Use proper quarantine for new birds
- Provide clean water daily
- Avoid overcrowding
Fecal Testing: The Smart Approach
The most accurate way to determine deworming needs is through fecal egg counts. Many veterinary labs offer affordable testing ($15-25 per sample). Collect fresh droppings and:
- Test 3-5 birds to represent the flock
- Repeat tests after treatment to check effectiveness
- Monitor for resistance if treatments fail
How to Collect Samples
1. Place clean plastic under roosts overnight
2. Collect fresh droppings in morning
3. Place in sealed container with damp paper towel
4. Deliver to lab within 24 hours
Egg Withdrawal Periods
Always observe withdrawal times after deworming:
| Medication | Egg Withdrawal |
|---|---|
| Fenbendazole | 14 days |
| Ivermectin | 7 days |
| Piperazine | 14 days |
| Levamisole | 7 days |
Special Considerations
Broody Hens
Avoid deworming during broodiness as medications can pass to chicks.
Molting Chickens
Excellent time to deworm since hens aren’t laying.
Young Chicks
Wait until at least 6-8 weeks old before first deworming.
Rotating Dewormers
To prevent resistance, rotate between drug classes:
- Benzimidazoles (fenbendazole)
- Macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin)
- Imidazothiazoles (levamisole)
Keep records of what you use and when. This helps track what works best for your flock.