How to Worm Chickens: Complete Guide to Deworming Your Flock

Common symptoms: Failure to thrive, decreased appetite, weight loss, prominent keel bone (breastbone sticking out), pale comb and wattles, tatty-looking feathers, decreased activity, and depression.[reference:8]

Digestive signs: Diarrhea, worms visible in droppings, reduced manure output, and general lack of thrift.[reference:9]

Production signs: Reduced egg production, smaller eggs, or eggs with worms inside.[reference:10]

Severe cases: Anemia, emaciation, drooping wings, and weakness.[reference:11]

Note: Symptoms are often vague. A heavy infestation may show pale facial features and reduced appetite.[reference:12] If you suspect worms, a fecal count by a vet can confirm the diagnosis.[reference:13]

Roundworms (Ascaridia spp.): The most common intestinal parasite. Long, yellow-white worms found in the intestine. Symptoms include droopiness, weight loss, and diarrhea.[reference:14]

Cecal Worms (Heterakis spp.): Found in the ceca (pouches at the start of the large intestine). Often carried by earthworms.[reference:15]

Tapeworms: Less common but can cause weight loss and digestive issues.

Gizzard Worms: Affect the gizzard and can cause digestive problems.[reference:16]

Capillary Worms: Thread-like worms that affect the crop and esophagus.

Note: Fenbendazole is effective against roundworms and cecal worms.[reference:17] For tapeworms, you may need a different medication like praziquantel.

Garlic: Add crushed garlic to drinking water at the rate of 4 crushed cloves per gallon.[reference:18] Garlic creates an environment in the gut that is unwelcoming for parasites.[reference:19] It's considered an organic de-wormer and also acts as an insect repellent.[reference:20]

Apple Cider Vinegar: Add 1 teaspoon per gallon of drinking water. This creates unfavorable conditions for worms.[reference:21][reference:22]

Diatomaceous Earth: Mix 100g of diatomaceous earth per 1kg of feed.[reference:23][reference:24] It's a mineral of plant origin that helps control parasites.[reference:25]

Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin and cucumber seeds are sometimes mentioned as natural dewormers.[reference:26] They can be ground and added to feed.[reference:27]

Onions and Garlic: Feeding onions and garlic regularly is a natural preventative for worms.[reference:28]

Important: These natural methods are more suited to preventing worms than for treating existing infestations.[reference:29] They create an environment that is unwelcoming for parasites.[reference:30]

Fenbendazole (Safeguard, Panacur): The most common and effective dewormer for chickens.[reference:31] Fenbendazole is the only product approved for treatment and control of roundworms and cecal worms in chickens in the United States.[reference:32]

Dosage: For Safeguard 10% fenbendazole (goat wormer or horse paste), give 0.23 ml per pound of weight orally for 5 consecutive days.[reference:33] Alternatively, 1/4 ml per pound for 5 straight days.[reference:34]

Piperazine: A common medicine available as a 45% or 65% solution.[reference:35] The dose for 45% solution is 0.5-1 ml per bird.[reference:36]

Albendazole (Valbazen): Very effective for most worms, but avoid during molt.[reference:37]

Ivermectin: Effective for mites and some worms, but some report it's not as effective for deworming as fenbendazole.[reference:38] It may still treat roundworms.[reference:39]

Important: Always deworm the entire flock, not just one bird.[reference:40]

Oral administration: Use a syringe (without needle) to give the dewormer directly into the chicken's mouth. This is the most accurate method.

In feed: Mix the recommended dosage with feed. For example, one small tablespoon is enough for four chickens.[reference:41]

In water: Some dewormers are administered via drinking water. Prepare fresh medicated water daily.[reference:42] For Wazine-17, for chickens over 6 weeks, use 2 fluid ounces per 2 U.S. gallons of water for each 100 birds.[reference:43]

Dosage by weight: For fenbendazole, the dose is 0.23 ml per pound.[reference:44] Weighing your chickens ensures accurate dosing.

Repeat treatment: Repeat the dosage after 10 days to ensure full treatment and break the worm life cycle.[reference:45][reference:46]

Clean regularly: Keep the coop and surrounding area clean. Remove manure and soiled bedding regularly.[reference:47]

Disinfect: Use proven disinfectants effective against parasite eggs to reduce environmental contamination.[reference:48]

Remove litter: Burn or compost all litter to kill worm eggs.[reference:49]

Dust baths: Provide dust baths with sand and diatomaceous earth. This helps chickens keep clean and naturally prevents parasites.[reference:50]

Rotate runs: If possible, rotate your chickens to different areas to break the worm life cycle.

Prevent access to wild birds: Wild birds can introduce worms to your flock. Keep feed covered and prevent wild birds from accessing the coop.

Frequency: Deworm your flock every 3 months.[reference:51] Most experts recommend 2-4 times per year, ideally in spring and fall.

When to worm: Worm in spring (before the worm season starts) and fall (after the worm season ends). Also worm if you notice symptoms.

After treatment: Observe your flock for improvement. If symptoms persist, consult a vet.

Rotate dewormers: To prevent resistance, rotate between different classes of dewormers (e.g., fenbendazole and piperazine).

Keep records: Track when you deworm and which product you used. This helps you plan future treatments.

Severe symptoms: If a chicken is severely ill (weak, unable to stand, not eating), consult a vet immediately.

Uncertain diagnosis: If you're not sure if worms are the problem, a fecal test can confirm the diagnosis.[reference:52]

Treatment failure: If symptoms persist after deworming, there may be resistance or a different type of worm.

Dosage questions: If you're unsure about dosage, especially for small or young birds, consult a vet.

Emergency: If you suspect a severe infestation or if multiple birds are affected, seek professional help.