How to Spot Worms in Chickens: Signs & Solutions

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.

Signs your chickens may have worms in their 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
Check chickens for signs of worms and health issues

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.