To naturally deworm chickens, incorporate diatomaceous earth, pumpkin seeds, and garlic into their diet, while maintaining proper hygiene in their environment.
Keeping your flock parasite-free is crucial for their health and egg production. While commercial dewormers exist, many chicken owners prefer natural alternatives. These methods are safe, affordable, and often just as effective when used correctly.
Signs Your Chickens Need Deworming
Watch for these common symptoms of worm infestation:
- Abnormal, foamy droppings
- Diarrhea
- Pale comb and wattles
- Weight loss despite normal eating
- Dirty vent feathers
- Decreased egg production
- Gasping or head-shaking (sign of gapeworms)
Checking for Worms
Examine droppings regularly. Some worms are visible to the naked eye. For a more accurate assessment, consider a fecal egg count test. You can purchase kits online or have your vet perform the test.
Top Natural Dewormers
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade DE is a fine white powder that dehydrates worms. Mix 1/4 cup per 35 ounces of feed. Ensure thorough mixing for even distribution.
Safety tip: Use a mask when handling DE to avoid inhaling the powder.
2. Garlic
Garlic creates an inhospitable environment for parasites. Use these methods:
- Crush 3-4 cloves into their daily feed
- Add crushed garlic to their water
- Ferment garlic in apple cider vinegar for a powerful tonic
3. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound that paralyzes worms. Offer them:
- Raw, whole seeds as treats
- Ground seeds mixed into feed (1 tablespoon per chicken)
- Pumpkin seed oil in their water
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. The acidity helps create an unfavorable gut environment for parasites. Learn more about chicken health issues that might relate to parasites.
Preventative Measures
Pasture Rotation
Moving chickens to fresh ground breaks the parasite life cycle. If you can’t rotate pastures, consider these alternatives:
- Deep litter method with frequent additions of fresh material
- Solarizing contaminated areas during summer
- Planting worm-repellent plants in their run
Probiotics
A healthy gut flora helps chickens resist parasites. Add these to their diet:
- Plain yogurt
- Fermented feed
- Commercial poultry probiotics
When to Use Conventional Dewormers
While natural methods work well for prevention and mild cases, severe infestations may require medication. Consult your vet if:
- Natural methods don’t improve symptoms
- You see worms in droppings after 2 weeks of treatment
- Chickens show signs of anemia (pale combs)
Common Medications
| Medication | Target Worms | Withdrawal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Fenbendazole | Roundworms, tapeworms | 14 days for eggs |
| Ivermectin | Most worms, mites | 7 days for eggs |
Treatment Schedule
For best results, follow this natural deworming schedule:
- Treat for 4-5 consecutive days
- Wait 10 days
- Repeat treatment for 2-3 days
- Follow with probiotics for gut recovery
Special Considerations
Some situations require extra attention:
- Molting chickens: Their immune systems are weaker – learn about molting
- Young chicks: Use gentler methods like garlic water
- Broody hens: Treat when they leave the nest
Additional Natural Options
Herbal Remedies
These herbs have natural anti-parasitic properties:
- Wormwood: Small amounts in feed (toxic in large doses)
- Thyme: Fresh or dried in nesting boxes
- Oregano: Powerful natural antibiotic
Essential Oils
Some oils can help when used properly:
- 1 drop oregano oil per gallon of water
- Lavender oil in nesting areas
- Peppermint oil to repel external parasites
Warning: Never apply oils directly to chickens – always dilute properly.
Maintaining a Worm-Free Flock
Prevention is easier than treatment. Implement these practices:
- Keep coops dry and clean
- Provide fresh water daily
- Use the deep litter method properly
- Quarantine new birds for 30 days
- Control insects that carry parasites
For more information on natural chicken care, visit The Happy Chicken Coop or Backyard Poultry magazine.