Poultry affected by worms are quite common and you need to treat them with an effective wormer and also monitor their health regularly so that the worms do not have long-lasting effects. You can provide the birds with worming drugs if the chickens are suddenly found to be lethargic or stop eating or worms are found in their poop.
The common worm parasites that affect the health of poultry are Roundworms, Hairworms, Tapeworms, and Caecal worms. They are carried by hosts, such as earthworms, slugs, snails, beetles, and flies. The chickens can come in contact with the worms directly or indirectly, so you need to get to the details to know how to remove them.
Let’s get started with the facts to know if your chicken has worms before you consult with a vet.
How Do Birds Get Infected by Worms?
While the chickens are picking and eating, they get these worms, and it can be either from worm-infected bugs, worm eggs, and larvae, or even from another birth. Birds pick up the worm eggs from the soil, dropping or littering, and they reach the gut, where the egg hatches and gets matured. When these eggs are excreted by the birds, the life cycle of the worms begins.
The worms are spread from bird to bird and it is majorly seen during the summer months when the environment is warm and moist which favors the growth of worms. Also, areas that are constantly wet favor the growth of worms. A healthy chicken can prevent worm infestation, but if the immune system is weak or they are stressed, then the worms spread leading to illness and even death.
What are the Clinical Signs of Worm Infection in Chickens?
There are signs that indicate that the chickens are carrying worms, such as –
- The chickens have a reduction in food consumption, lose weight rapidly, slow growth, droopiness, unthrifty look, and ruffled feathers.
- They might even suffer from diarrhea, pale comb, and even a reduction in egg production and egg quality.
- They become tail down, pale and miserable looking, with anemia and pale egg yolks. Also, they might quit laying eggs as well.
- If the infest gets severe, then worms might be detected in the droppings of the chickens.
- In extreme cases, worms can lead to the death of the bird and occasionally, worms are also found inside the eggs.
Thus, you need to take the chicken to the vet and conduct a test to detect the presence of worms and which type of worm you are dealing with. These basic ideas would help to treat the chickens properly.
Which Part of the Intestine of the Chickens Are Infected by the Worms?
Different parts of the chicken’s intestine are affected by the different types of worms, such as:
- Hairworms infect the upper part of the small intestine.
- Tapeworms infect the upper and middle parts of the small intestine.
- Roundworms affect the entire small intestine.
- Caecal worms affect the blind end of the caeca.
How to Control the Worms in Chickens?
You need to help the chicken to maintain a stable immunity system. Promote the digestive health of the birds by mixing vitamins and other necessary medication into the drinking water. Give them a blend of organic oregano essential oil, prebiotics, calcium, electrolytes, and vitamins D and E. You can also use natural processes to prevent worms and keep the chickens healthy, by using – garlic, pumpkin seeds, and apple cider vinegar.
Deep clean the coop at least 2-3 times a year, so that it is dry and smells fresh. You can also use organic essential oils or organic diatomaceous earth to keep the worm carriers away from the coop. You have to maintain a good drainage system in and around the coop so that there are no wet areas. Check that there is no pooling and puddling.
You can also put anti-parasitic drugs in prescribed portions into the water, and keep a withholding period for egg and meat consumption. Clean the poultry area regularly which includes the feeders, and drinkers. Moreover, never allow the fecal material to build up, clean them up regularly to avoid worm infestation.
Keep the grass short in the area, as this would help the UV rays from the sun to destroy the worm eggs in sunny weather. Rotate the ground frequently after moving the birds from one area to another, so that worms do not build up. You also need to change the wood shaving or straw litter from the chicken shed and keep them fresh and dry.
How to Prevent Worm Infestation in the Coop?
To prevent worm infestation in poultry, you have to prevent rodents from entering the coop and keep the chickens away from the wild birds. Never feed the chickens on the ground and always use a feeder. Also, the feeder should be kept off the floor. Never use any drinker that can get contaminated easily with feces or install them underneath roots. Prevent overcrowding and deworming adult chickens before you add them to the flocks. Deworm the poultry twice a year, particularly in autumn and spring.
Can a Chicken Recover from Worm Infestation?
Yes, a chicken can recover from worm infestation, if you proactively work to prevent and control worms in and around the coop. You can try natural or artificial treatments to bring the chicken back to its normal health.
