The importance of worming backyard hens 

If you have the pleasure of owning a flock of feathered friends, you are probably already in tune with their specialised needs. From offering them oyster grit to supplement calcium, to giving them a constant supply of layers pellets to snack on, chickens are super interesting pets to look after – plus you get the tasty eggs as a reward! 

However, did you know that it is recommended to worm your chickens every 3 – 6 months? Worms can cause a number of different health problems for chickens and as we know, they can be delicate little creatures. 

So, let’s look at the importance of worming backyard hens as well as looking at the risks that can come with not worming them. 

What worms can chickens get? 

Chickens can suffer from a variety of internal worms. A parasitic burden can affect their health and could quickly spread amongst the flock, so it’s important to stay vigilant.  

Some of the most common worms in chickens include: 

Tapeworm:  

Located in the small intestine similar to cats and dogs, tapeworms attach to the wall of the intestine and can cause chickens to suffer from malnutrition.  

Gapeworm:  

Adult gapeworms attach to the tissues found in the trachea, causing respiratory problems. 

Roundworm:  

These worms are one of the most common found in chickens. They reside in the small intestine and can cause gastro-intestinal issues. 

Threadworms:  

As the name suggests, this worm is hair-like in appearance that is small, thin and spindly. These can be found in the crop or the intestines and can cause an intestinal upset. 

Caecal worm:  

Located between the small and large intestine, the caecal worm can increase intestinal inflammation and contribute towards potential disease. 

If you are worried about the health of your chickens or think that they may be suffering from worms, it is important to speak with your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible. Not all veterinary practices have the knowledge to be able to treat poultry. Take a look at the handy vet locator which can be filtered to locate poultry vets in your area. 

Do worms in chickens cause a problem? 

Worms found in chickens can cause significant health problems if they are left untreated. Whilst a mild infestation can often go undetected due to lack of clinical symptoms, heavy worm burdens can lead to serious illness and even death. 

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the chicken and the type of worm that they are suffering from. Common symptoms can include: 

Symptoms can sometimes be directly related to the type of worm that a chicken is infested with. These types of worms have specific symptoms that may help you determine which type of worm is causing an issue. 

Roundworm symptoms:  

Roundworms can cause symptoms including diarrhoea and slow growth progression. This can lead to malnutrition as well as bacterial infections and intestinal obstructions. 

Gapeworm symptoms:  

A tell-tale sign of gapeworm shows the chicken gasping or stretching their neck to breathe, displaying a ‘gaping’ style motion. Chickens often cough, open-beak breathe and shake their heads. Gapeworm can cause a respiratory obstruction, suffocation and even death. 

Tapeworm symptoms:  

Reduced egg production, unexpected weight loss, and slow growth progression can all be signs of tapeworm. Tapeworms can also cause damage to the lining of the intestines, making them more susceptible to infection. 

Caecal worm symptoms:  

Whilst these are more common in turkeys, chickens can also contract caecal worms. However, symptoms are almost non-existent, but the parasite can carry secondary infection. 

Whilst this all sounds very scary, worms are totally preventable – and treatable!  

How can worms be treated in chickens? 

Worms can be easily treated through the use of different products. Bear in mind that the whole flock needs to be treated, otherwise worms can continue to spread and the life cycle of the worm will start all over again. 

The only licensed active ingredient for a chicken wormer product is flubendazole. Treatments are available through a veterinary practice or a feed merchant SQP, but can also be found online. Treatment with flubendazole is available in different forms, including a powder, medicated food and also water-soluble products. Flubendazole is effective against most of the common gastro-intestinal parasites. 

It is important that birds are treated following the protocol of the product. A gap in dose or an incorrect dose can result in ineffective treatment. A full course should always be given, as a 7 day course is often required to eliminate worms throughout the different life stages within the gut. 

The easiest way to remember to worm your chickens is to worm them twice a year when the clocks change. This will ensure that they are covered through both the summer and winter periods. However, it’s critical to make sure that you’re only worming if you need to – your vet or SQP will be able to advise you effectively. 

How can worms be prevented? 

Along with the use of a worming product, there are other ways in which worm outbreaks can be avoided or minimised. Preventing worms can relate closely to husbandry. 

Keep runs and coops squeaky clean:  

Remove faeces and soiled bedding daily. Ensure that you are deep cleaning your coop with a disinfectant at least once weekly along with a complete bedding change. 

Avoid keeping too many birds:  

Having a high number of birds can increase reinfection due to the vast amounts of faeces. Worms can quickly spread throughout a large flock. This is particularly a problem when birds of very different ages run together. 

Offer birds good nutrition:  

A healthy chicken is likely to cope with a parasitic burden better than a sick chicken. Offering your birds a balanced diet that is high in nutrition promotes a healthy immune system, helping them to cope with breakouts and disease better. 

Monitor your chickens behaviour and faeces:  

You know your chickens best. I know from my own flock that each chicken has their own personality, so you can be quick to pick up on any changes in behaviour. Whilst a change in behaviour may not necessarily point to worms, it is often a good indication that something is wrong. 

Monitoring the faeces for consistency can be really helpful, as well as looking for any visual signs of worms. Speak with your veterinary practice to see if they offer a faecal egg count, which would give an indication of worm burden. 

Worm control in chickens isn’t necessarily just about worming them with a product. Whilst this is beneficial and recommended, it is best practice to combine this with good hygiene, husbandry and nutrition. This helps to keep a flock happy and healthy. 

Final thoughts 

Worming a flock isn’t just a one time job – it’s best to get into a routine. It is super important to understand how worms can quickly affect your flock, as well as knowing the early symptoms. If you suspect that your bird may be unwell, contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible. 

Not only will your birds be happier without a worm burden, but you should also notice improved egg production, better feather condition and livelier hens. 

So, as the seasons change, take a moment to consider worming your happy hens. By planning ahead, you can help to protect your hens and continue to enjoy their quirky and inquisitive personalities.