Are Worms Stealing Eggs from Your Chickens? --INTESTINAL PARASITES
- Donna Weekes
- Mar 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Raising healthy backyard chickens isn't just about feed, housing and fresh water- it also means protecting your birds from internal parasites. Worm infestations can impact egg production, body condition and overall flock health. While parasites are a normal part of poultry biology, unmanaged worm burdens can cause serious issues. That's why having a thoughtful deworming strategy in place is key for backyard chicken keepers. A healthy chicken can manage a reasonable worm load. When the chicken gets sick or otherwise stressed, their immune system is taxed and internal parasites have the opportunity to over populate.
Worms inside a chicken are not always a problem but when they are, they can cause disease, infection and death.
Understanding Worms in Chickens
The most common intestinal worms in chickens include:
Roundworms (Ascaridia galli) - The most frequent in backyard flocks, causing bald butts, weight loss and reduced egg production.
Cecal worms (Heterakis gallinarum) - Carriers of blackhead disease in turkeys.
Capillaria (hairworms) - Thin, thread-like worms that damage the intestinal lining.
Tapeworms - Less common but can be transmitted by insects like beetles.
Many of these worms thrive when chickens have access to soil, insects and pasture- common in backyard setups.
Signs Your Flock May Have Worms
Worm infestations often develop slowly and light burdens may not show obvious signs. However, watch for:
Bald butts
Weight loss
Pale combs and wattles (signs of anemia but don't mistaken this for when hens are out of lay due to molting season)
Loose or watery droppings
Decreased egg production
Visible worms in droppings or eggs
Preventative Management
A strong deworming strategy doesn't just rely on medication. It begins with good flock management:
Keep litter clean and dry to limit parasite survival
Feed a balanced, complete feed and limit extras and treats as they will dilute the nutrients needed from their feed to support strong immunity.
When to Deworm
There is no "one size fits all" calendar for deworming backyard chickens. Instead your flock's environment and health should guide your decision. You can perform a routine fecal exam (a fecal float test from a veterinarian) to check worm loads. Others deworm strategically is symptoms appear or if their birds are kept in high-risk environments (warm, damp soil with lots of bug activity).
Choosing the Right Dewormer
Only approved poultry dewormers should be used. The most common include:
Piperazine - Effective against roundworms (most common).
Fenbendazole - (off-label use in poultry, requires vet guidance) - Broad- spectrum and widely used.
Levamisole - Effective but harder to source for small flocks.
Always follow dosage instructions carefully.
Avoiding Misconceptions
Many backyard chicken keepers turn to "natural" remedies like garlic, pumpkin seeds or apple cider vinegar. While these might be healthy supplements for humans, they are not effective dewormers. Relying solely on them can allow worm population to increase unchecked, risking your flock's health.
Building a Deworming Plan
A practical approach for most backyard chicken owners include:
Monitoring - Watch for symptoms and perform fecal testing when possible.
Preventing - Practice good hygiene (keep living space relatively clean)
Treating - Use an approved dewormer when needed.
Reviewing - Reassess your strategy seasonally, especially during warm, damp months when parasites thrive.
Dewormers We Offer
A) Chick' N Digestive is a product made by Chick' N Swell, 1 teaspoon per liter of fresh water, 1-2 days a week for prevention of internal parasites. At the onset of signs of intestinal imbalance (intestinal parasites), 3-5 days.
100% Natural and Made in Canada
Benefits Include:
*Contributes to the health and normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
*Helps support proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
*Helps to balance good and bad bacteria in gut and used as a preventative for intestinal parasites.
When your chickens possess a strong immune system, the likelihood of them experiencing issues with an excessive amount of intestinal parasites is somewhat lower, aided with the help of a product like Chick' N Digestive.
B) Piperazine Dihydrochloride
Active ingredient: Piperazine Dihydrochloride 53%
Used as a stronger dewormer with signs of intestinal parasites.
One day treatment.
Final Thoughts
Managing worms in your backyard flock doesn't have to be complicated. With clean housing, thoughtful management and proper deworming when needed, you can keep your chickens healthy, productive and thriving for years to come.
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