Signs your chickens have worms include weight loss, lethargy, poor egg production, visible worms in droppings, and changes in appetite or behavior.
Worms in chickens are more common than most owners realize. Left untreated, they can cause weight loss, poor egg production, and even death. Knowing the warning signs early helps protect your flock’s health.
Common Chicken Worms and Their Symptoms
Chickens can host several types of worms, each with distinct symptoms:
Roundworms (Ascaridia galli)
- Visible in droppings (look like spaghetti strands)
- Pale egg yolks
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Diarrhea or watery droppings
Gapeworms (Syngamus trachea)
- Gasping for air with neck stretched
- Head shaking
- Red Y-shaped worms visible in open beak
Tapeworms
- Rice-like segments in droppings
- Increased hunger with weight loss
- Dull feathers
How to Check for Worms
1. Fecal Examination
Collect fresh droppings in a ziplock bag. Look for:
- Visible worms (roundworms are 1-3 inches long)
- White specks (tapeworm segments)
- Unusually loose consistency
2. Physical Symptoms
Watch for these red flags:
- Pale combs/wattles (sign of anemia)
- Lethargy or tail drooping
- Decreased egg production
- Poor feather condition
3. Behavioral Changes
Infected chickens often:
- Eat more but lose weight
- Show less interest in foraging
- Separate from the flock
Preventing Worm Infestations
Coop Maintenance
Rotate grazing areas and clean coops regularly. When introducing chickens to new spaces, ensure the area is free of old droppings.
Natural Preventatives
- Add garlic to drinking water (1 clove per gallon)
- Feed pumpkin seeds (natural dewormer)
- Use apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per gallon of water)
Pasture Rotation
Move chickens to fresh ground every 2-3 weeks to break the worm lifecycle. This is especially important for free-range chickens who explore wider areas.
Treatment Options
| Worm Type | Treatment | Withdrawal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Roundworms | Piperazine | 14 days (eggs) |
| Tapeworms | Praziquantel | 7 days |
| Gapeworms | Fenbendazole | 14 days |
For severe cases, consult a poultry vet. The PoultryDVM recommends fecal testing before treatment to identify specific parasites.
When to Worm Your Flock
- Spring and fall (preventative schedule)
- After introducing new birds
- When symptoms appear
The Penn State Extension suggests testing droppings first to avoid unnecessary medication.
Recovery Care
After deworming:
- Provide probiotics in water
- Offer high-protein feed
- Clean coop thoroughly
- Monitor for reinfection
Healthy chickens can often manage minor worm loads, but stressed birds need intervention. Regular checks and good hygiene keep flocks worm-free.