If you see worms in your chicken’s droppings, it’s a sure sign of an active infestation of parasites. You need to treat the whole flock with the appropriate medication. Worms spread rapidly and you might not notice symptoms right away. A large infestation can damage the digestive tract of the birds which can lead to other infections.

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But if you suspect that your hens have worms, don’t worry – it’s normal for animals to pick them up and straightforward to treat. Worm infestations are just one of those things that chickens get in much the same way as worms will often go through an infant or junior school or your dog and cat will often get. But where chickens are concerned, they need be dealt with so that they do not become life-threatening to the bird.

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There are three main ways in which worms are transmitted;

• Passed by infected birds dropping (including wild birds), and a foraging bird will be infected

• Picked up directly by another bird coughing worms onto the ground

• Earthworms, Slugs and Snails contaminated by parasitic worm eggs or larva are eaten by a chicken

 

Worm eggs are expelled from an infected bird in droppings. The eggs sit on the ground for anything up to a year before they are picked up by birds foraging/feeding.

 

The parasites deprive their host of the nutrients in their food. There are tell tale signs. For example; worms visible in the chicken’s droppings; a messy bottom; a dishevelled appearance; a forlorn and depressed look; weight loss; a drop in egg production and their Poop colour (poop colour chart) can all point to there being some problem.

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Follow these 7 easy simple steps to help keep your flock worm free.

• Keep your coop and run clean and tidy

• Add apple cider vinegar and/or garlic to their drinking water

• Never keep your chickens on bare earth

• Prevent your birds accessing to earthworms, snails and slugs

• Remove anything from your run that can shelter snails and slugs

• Avoid exposing your flock to wild birds

• Carry out monthly “faecal egg counts” of the chicken droppings (either arranged by a vet or purchase your own Worm Count Kit)

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Finally, a low level of worm infestation is quite normal, but it is important to try and prevent internal worms to keep your hens healthy and happy, also for your own peace of mind.

All that is needed is a good routine and a keen eye.