How to Tell if Your Chicken Has Worms: 12 Warning Signs Every Backyard Chicken Keeper Should Know

Raising backyard chickens is mostly a joy, but let’s be honest – there are some less glamorous aspects we gotta deal with. One of these pesky problems is worms As someone who’s been raising chickens for years, I’ve learned that spotting worm infestations early can make all the difference between a healthy flock and a struggling one

Worms are actually super common in backyard flocks. Most chickens will have at least some intestinal parasites at some point. While a small worm load isn’t usually a big deal heavy infestations can seriously impact your chicken’s health, weight and egg production – and in severe cases, even cause death.

Let’s dive into how you can tell if your feathered friends have these unwelcome guests.

The Most Common Symptoms of Worms in Chickens

When trying to figure out if your chickens have worms there are several telltale signs to watch for

1. Visible worms in droppings – This is the most obvious sign. Large roundworms and tapeworms can sometimes be seen with the naked eye in chicken poop. They look like little white wiggly “hairs” or strings.

2. Strange-looking eggs or pale yolks – If you notice your chicken’s eggs looking odd or the yolks appearing paler than usual, this could indicate worms.

3. Persistent diarrhea – One of the clearest signs of a worm infestation is ongoing loose droppings.

4. Bubbly or foamy feces – If your chicken’s poop has a bubbly or foamy appearance, this can be a sign of parasites.

5. Rapid weight loss – If your chicken is losing weight despite eating normally (or even more than normal), worms might be the culprit.

6. Increased appetite – Paradoxically, chickens with worms often eat more than usual. This happens because the worms are stealing their nutrients!

7. Lethargy and depression – Infected chickens may appear listless, with their tails down and showing little interest in normal activities.

8. Pale combs and wattles – As worms steal nutrients from your chicken, their combs and wattles may become pale and miserable-looking.

9. Reduced egg production – A slowdown in laying or complete stop can indicate a worm problem.

10. Respiratory issues – Some worms, like gapeworms, cause breathing problems. Affected chickens might stretch their necks, shake their heads, or gasp for air.

11. Eye rubbing or scratching – Eyeworms (yes, that’s a thing!) cause chickens to scratch their eyes and rub their faces against objects.

12. No symptoms at all – Sometimes chickens with worms show no obvious symptoms, which is why regular checking is important!

What Do Worms in Chicken Poop Look Like?

When checking your chicken’s droppings for worms, here’s what to look for:

• Roundworms: These are the most common type and can grow up to 3-4 inches long. They resemble white or cream-colored spaghetti.

• Tapeworms: These are flat, ribbon-like, and segmented (kind of like the trunk of a palm tree). You might see small, rice-like segments in the poop.

• Hairworms/Capillary worms: These are tiny, thread-like organisms that can be hard to spot without magnification.

If you’re examining the droppings, you’ll notice these worms wiggling around if they’re present. It’s gross, I know, but checking is important!

Does Poop on Eggs Mean My Chickens Have Worms?

There’s a common belief that finding poop on eggs means your chickens have worms, but this isn’t necessarily true. Chickens don’t always choose the best spot to poop, and sometimes accidents happen!

While poop on eggs can be concerning, it’s usually just a result of chickens walking on eggs or pooping near them. The only surefire way to know if your chickens have worms is to examine their stool directly.

If you find poop on eggs, simply clean the eggs thoroughly and, if you’re worried, collect a stool sample to check for worms.

Types of Worms That Affect Chickens

Several types of worms can infect your chickens:

1. Large Roundworms (Ascaridia galli) – The most common chicken parasite, living in the small intestine.

2. Cecal Worms (Heterakis Gallinarum) – These live in the intestinal ceca and can carry the parasite that causes blackhead disease.

3. Capillary worms (Hairworms) – Tiny thread-like worms that live in the chicken’s esophagus, crop, and intestines.

4. Gapeworms – Y-shaped parasites that live in the windpipes, causing breathing problems.

5. Gizzard worms – These settle in the muscular part of the stomach (gizzard).

6. Tapeworms – Flat, ribbon-like intestinal parasites that steal nutrients.

7. Eye worms – Tiny white worms that settle in the corner of a chicken’s eye.

How Dangerous Are Worms for My Chickens?

Worms can definitely be dangerous, but the severity depends on how many worms are present. A heavy infestation can lead to:

• Dehydration from diarrhea (which can cause death within days)
• Malnourishment and starvation
• Secondary infections and illnesses
• Poor egg production
• Death in severe cases

The worms themselves rarely kill the chicken directly – it’s usually the symptoms and complications that lead to serious health issues or death.

Can I Get Worms From My Chickens?

Good news! Most chicken worms are species-specific, meaning they can’t survive in humans. While it’s theoretically possible for some worm eggs to get into chicken eggs (since chickens lay eggs and poop through the same opening), it’s extremely rare.

Even if you accidentally ate an egg with worms (gross, I know), you wouldn’t get infected. Think of it as some extra protein – if you can stomach that thought!

That said, it’s always best to practice good hygiene when handling chickens and their eggs. Always wash your hands after handling chickens or collecting eggs.

Treatment Options for Wormy Chickens

If your chickens do have worms, there are several treatment options:

Medication (Most Effective)

• Ivermectin: A broad-spectrum antiparasitic that’s effective against most chicken worms (except tapeworms). Just a few drops on the back of the neck does the trick.

• Fenbendazole (SafeGuard): Works against roundworms, cecal worms, and tapeworms.

• Piperazine: FDA-approved for treating roundworms and cecal worms in poultry.

• Albendazole: Effective against tapeworms.

Natural Remedies (Helpful for Prevention and Control)

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Add 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water. It creates an alkaline environment in the guts that’s uninviting for worms.

• Pumpkin Seeds: These contain cucurbitacin, an amino acid that acts as a deworming agent. Add 2% to their diet or about 2g per bird daily.

• Diatomaceous Earth: Adding 2% DE to chicken feed can help reduce roundworm loads.

• Garlic: A small piece of freshly crushed garlic in drinking water can help reduce worm loads.

• Spicy Foods: Things like chili peppers create a healthy gut environment that discourages worms.

Remember to repeat any treatment after 10-14 days to kill newly hatched worms!

Prevention: Keeping Worms at Bay

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some strategies to prevent worm infestations:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep the coop clean and remove droppings frequently.

• Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure your chickens have enough space.

• Proper Nutrition: A well-balanced diet strengthens the immune system.

• Move the Coop: If possible, relocate the coop occasionally to prevent buildup of worm eggs in the soil.

• Manage Soil: Use proper feeders rather than throwing feed on the ground, and avoid wet, muddy areas in the run.

• Regular Deworming: Consider seasonal deworming in spring and fall when temperatures are between 35-75°F (2-24°C).

When to Call the Vet

If your chicken shows severe symptoms like extreme lethargy, severe weight loss, difficulty breathing, or if you see large numbers of worms in their droppings, it’s time to call a vet. A vet can perform a fecal exam to identify exactly which worms are present and recommend the most effective treatment.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with worms isn’t the most pleasant part of chicken keeping, but it’s an important aspect of maintaining a healthy flock. Regular monitoring, good coop hygiene, and proper nutrition go a long way in preventing serious worm problems.

By knowing what to look for and taking quick action when needed, you can keep your chickens happy, healthy, and worm-free!

Have you ever dealt with worms in your chickens? What worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

Chicken worms are treated with a combination of chemical dewormers, such as flubendazole or fenbendazole, and natural methods like diatomaceous earth and garlic. It’s crucial to treat the entire flock, clean the coop thoroughly, and consult a veterinarian for severe infestations or to identify the specific type of worm. Natural remedies are often used preventatively, while chemical treatments provide more robust cures, so a combination approach is often recommended.

To naturally deworm chickens, you can add food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) to their feed to dehydrate parasites, provide apple cider vinegar (ACV) in their water to create an uninviting digestive environment, and feed them plants from the cucurbit family like pumpkin, cucumber, and squash, which contain compounds that can paralyze worms.

Worms in chicken poop can appear as long, white, string-like roundworms or as flat, segmented, ribbon-like structures resembling grains of white rice, which are segments of tapeworms.