To tell if chickens have worms, look for symptoms like weight loss, lethargy, poor feather condition, and abnormal droppings.
Worms are a common issue in backyard chickens, but early detection and treatment can prevent serious health problems. Learn the key signs of worm infestations, effective prevention methods, and safe treatment options to keep your flock healthy.
Common Signs Your Chickens Have Worms
Watch for these symptoms that may indicate a worm problem:
- Visible worms in droppings – Some worms like roundworms may be seen in feces
- Weight loss despite normal appetite – Worms steal nutrients from chickens
- Pale combs and wattles – Can indicate anemia from blood loss
- Diarrhea or watery droppings – Especially with caecal worms
- Decreased egg production – Hens may stop laying or produce pale yolks
- Lethargy and tail down posture – General sign of illness
According to Chicken Coach, some chickens may show no symptoms at all with light worm loads, making regular monitoring important.
Types of Worms That Affect Chickens
1. Roundworms (Ascaridia galli)
The most common chicken worm. These white worms can grow up to 3 inches long and live in the small intestine. Heavy infestations can cause intestinal blockages.
2. Caecal Worms
Small white worms (7mm-1.5cm) that live in the caecum. They cause inflammation and diarrhea but rarely serious illness.
3. Gapeworms (Syngamus trachea)
These red worms attach to the trachea, causing chickens to gasp for air (hence “gape”). They’re spread by earthworms and snails.
4. Tapeworms
Flat, segmented worms that can grow up to 15cm long. They’re transmitted via intermediate hosts like beetles and slugs.
5. Hairworms (Capillaria)
Thread-like worms that damage the crop and esophagus. Cause weight loss and depression.
How Chickens Get Worms
Chickens typically get worms through:
- Eating worm eggs from contaminated soil or feces
- Consuming infected intermediate hosts (earthworms, slugs, beetles)
- Poor coop hygiene that allows worm eggs to accumulate
- Stress that weakens their immune system
As noted in our article on preventing worms in chickens, wet conditions particularly favor worm egg survival.
Diagnosing Worm Infestations
To confirm worms:
- Fecal float test – Your vet can examine droppings for worm eggs
- Necropsy – Examining a deceased chicken’s digestive tract
- Visual inspection – Some worms are visible in fresh droppings
Treatment Options
Conventional Dewormers
| Medication | Effective Against | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fenbendazole | Roundworms, hairworms | Commonly sold as Safeguard |
| Ivermectin | Most worms and mites | Not approved for poultry in some areas |
| Levamisole | Roundworms, caecal worms | Also boosts immune system |
Natural Prevention Methods
- Diatomaceous earth – Food grade only, mixed in feed
- Garlic – Added to water or feed
- Pumpkin seeds – Contain cucurbitacin which paralyzes worms
- Apple cider vinegar – Creates unfavorable gut environment
Preventing Worm Infestations
Follow these practices to minimize worm problems:
- Rotate free-range areas to prevent soil contamination
- Keep coops dry and clean – worms thrive in moisture
- Use deep litter method with regular additions of fresh bedding
- Quarantine new birds before introducing to flock
- Provide balanced nutrition to maintain strong immunity
As discussed in our guide on introducing chickens to a new coop, proper quarantine procedures are essential for preventing parasite transmission.
When to Call a Vet
Seek professional help if:
- Multiple chickens show severe symptoms
- Conventional treatments aren’t working
- You suspect gapeworms (require specific treatment)
- Chickens become extremely weak or stop eating
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Regular monitoring, good hygiene, and natural preventatives can keep your flock worm-free and healthy.