Helpful Tips to Choose the Right Chicken Wormer for Your Flock
Chickens love to forage and will enthusiastically pick up the odd grub or worm while outdoors.
While worms in the garden are a natural part of their diet, intestinal worms are quite the opposite.
Organic Chicken Wormer
The best way to prevent internal parasites from affecting the health of your chickens is with regular wormers.
In this guide, we’re going to look at the top chicken wormer products and advise on the steps you can take to protect your flock against parasites.
Best Chicken Wormers From The Review
Top Pick
Safe-guard (Fenbendazole) Dewormer Liquid
A wormer that treats most types of intestinal parasites. Best to use if you notice visible signs of worms in your flock.
Safe-guard (Fenbendazole) Dewormer Liquid
Whether you have a small or large flock, the Safe-guard Wormer Liquid will remove hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and many other intestinal parasites.
When chickens get worms, it is not because you did anything wrong, it is simply a part of their environment.
If you notice the symptoms of worms, fenbendazole could be an effective worming medication. Treatment is quick and long-lasting which makes Safe-guard my definite top pick!
Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens
Verm-x Liquid Poultry & Fowl Internal Parasite
A vet-approved tasty supplement that prevents worms in chickens and small animals.
Verm-x Liquid Poultry & Fowl Internal Parasite
To avoid any egg withdrawal period, your hens need a natural dewormer and Verm-x Liquid is the best choice!
This chicken wormer consists of naturally based ingredients to improve the long-term health of your chickens.
It is also one of the easiest wormers to give to all-sized flocks, because it can just be added to their feed.
Natural Chicken Wormer
Vet RX Poultry Aid
Made with natural ingredients and is easily added to the water of chickens as an immune booster.
Vet RX Poultry Aid
For those raising free range birds without chemicals nor additives in feeds and medication, Vet RX is a must-have for healthy chickens. It is good for scaly leg mites and strengthening the immune systems of every bird.
With better immunity, chickens are equipped to fight off many types of parasites. Vet RX is more of a preventative measure, but should be a part of every chicken keeper’s medicine collection.
Organic Chicken Wormer
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
Made with natural ingredients and is easily added to the water of chickens as an immune booster.
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade
Diatomaceous earth is a great addition to the worming regime of chickens. It is also 100% organic, making it a top pick for free range and coop-bound chickens.
Whether your birds are infected with parasites or you want to prevent worms organically, then DE is a safe and simple way to protect your pets.
To maintain a healthy flock, next we’re going to explore the symptoms of worms in chickens, how to naturally manage worms, and steps you can take to keep birds healthy!
Top Chicken Wormers
Natural Chicken Wormer
Vet RX Poultry Aid
Made with natural ingredients and is easily added to the water of chickens as an immune booster
Vet RX Poultry Aid
A chicken with a stuffy nose could be a sign of respiratory problems. When my chickens were gaping and constantly sneezing, using antibiotics simply meant tossing the eggs and it was tough on their digestive systems. If your birds are struggling with respiratory issues or scaly leg mites, you can try the Poultry Aid.
Ingredients
The unique formula consists of natural ingredients and is easily added to the drinking unit or water of chickens as an immune booster. You can also use the poultry aid by applying a few drops to a Q-tip and then rubbing it directly on the chicken’s comb and wattles.
Leg Mites Treatment
Along with its boosting properties, you can also use this brand for scaly leg mites. Simply coat the legs with a few drops and you should notice an improvement in the redness and the dryness caused by mites. This product can be used to alleviate sneezing, congestion, watery eye conditions, and common chicken “colds.”
Specs
- Ingredients: Natural
- Add to Drinking Water: Yes
- Size: 2 fl.oz
Pros
- Herbal supplement
- Remedy for chicken colds
- Easy to use
Cons
- Directions are somewhat unclear
- Cannot treat intestinal parasites
Top Pick
Safe-guard (Fenbendazole) Dewormer Liquid
A wormer that treats most types of intestinal parasites. It targets whipworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and roundworm.
Safe-guard (Fenbendazole) Dewormer Liquid
For a wormer that treats most types of intestinal parasites, Safe-guard Dewormer Liquid is the ideal choice. It targets whipworm, tapeworm, hookworm, and roundworm. While the dewormer is labeled ‘for goats,’ it can be used with poultry at 0.23 ml per lb.
Worm Treatment
It is best to use Safeguard if you notice visible signs of worms in your flock. It is not a preventative remedy, but a treatment for birds that are infested by common parasites. This is not an organic medication and you should take precautionary measures when administering it to laying hens.
Efficacy
Safeguard is effective at removing the worms that are known to affect chickens, such as roundworm, threadworm, and hookworm. In only a week or two of using the correct dosages, you should notice a difference in the condition of the affected poultry.
Specs
- Ingredients: Pharmaceutical
- Add to Drinking Water: Yes
- Size: 4.2 fl oz
Pros
- Easy to use
- Can be added to water or feed
Cons
- Cannot be used for organic purposes
Chicken Wormer for Laying Hens
Verm-x Liquid Poultry & Fowl Internal Parasite
A vet-approved tasty supplement that prevents worms in chickens and small animals.
Verm-x Liquid Poultry & Fowl Internal Parasite
If you are looking for a tasty supplement your pets might enjoy combined with a dewormer, then Verm-x could be the product for you. It is a vet-approved product that prevents worms in chickens and small animals. With ingredients such as peppermint, fennel, thyme, and cinnamon you could keep your entire flock healthy!
Ingredients
What I like most about this medication is that it is gentle on the digestive system of your chickens while protecting against worms. Its herbal formula will also allow you to treat hens without risking those precious eggs.
Non-GMO
Another interesting feature of Verm-x Poultry Liquid is that it’s non-GMO and can be used in conjunction with pharmaceuticals. Should you notice signs of worms in your chickens, you might be able to break the cycle of infestation with Verm-x Liquid Poultry & Intestinal Parasite formula.
Specs
- Ingredients: Natural herbs
- Add to Drinking Water: Yes
- Size: 250 ml
Pros
- Can be added to drinking water and feed
- Easy to use
- Can be used with pharmaceutical treatment
- No chicken egg withdrawal period
Cons
- Strong herbal scent
Durvet Ivermectin Pour On Liquid
A strong parasiticide used as an off-label treatment for internal and external parasites in chickens.
Durvet Ivermectin Pour On Liquid
Ivermectin Pour On for Cattle is a strong parasiticide and used as an off-label treatment for internal and external parasites in chickens. I would only use the Durvet liquid for large flocks, but not for a few backyard chickens especially if you don’t want long egg withdrawal periods.
Administration
Because of the large doses required for cattle, chickens will only require a few drops applied to the back of their necks.
It is only effective against roundworm and blood sucking mites in poultry, but doesn’t protect much against lice. Important – it should also never be given orally in water or on food.
Dosage
The recommended dose for the control of parasites in poultry is 1 drop for a small female bantam and up to 5 drops for a large or giant chicken breed. Always take caution when using such medications, so if you are unsure of the dosage, consult with an avian veterinarian before administering it.
As Durvet Ivermectin is designed for cattle, it is important to determine how much you need for each bird to avoid overdosing.
Specs
- Ingredients: Ivermectin
- Add to Drinking Water: No
- Size: 1 liter
Pros
- Suitable for farms
- Fast acting
Cons
- Careful measurement to avoid overdose
- Time consuming dropper application
- 2 to 3 week egg withdrawal period
Intervet Safeguard Dewormer Paste
Medication for getting rid of parasite infestations at different stages.
Intervet Safeguard Dewormer Paste
While using a wormer made for horses on chickens may not seem like the obvious choice, Safeguard can help keep your flock worm-free. It is a fenbendazole 100 mg/g solution, which is a well-known medication for getting rid of parasite infestations at different stages.
Worm Symptoms
If you notice rapid weight loss, dull feathers, and/or visible worms in your chickens’ poop, you need a strong measure of control to reduce the worm load. Fenbendazole treats for all life cycles of worms, making it easier to eliminate infestations quickly.
The equine wormer must be used as 0.25ml per lb. Careful measurement will provide chickens with a safe dose, and will target the worms that are causing discomfort and illness.
Specs
- Ingredients: Fenbendazole
- Add to Drinking Water: No
- Size: 25gm
Pros
- Treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworm, and certain tapeworm species
- Paste formula is easier to feed to chickens
- Ideal for large flocks with heavy worm infestations
Cons
- Very small doses must be measured
- 24-day egg withdrawal period
Organic Chicken Wormer
Diatomaceous Earth DE10, 100% Organic Food Grade
A natural remedy and very easy to use. It also doesn’t have a withdrawal period for eggs when used.
Diatomaceous Earth DE10, 100% Organic Food Grade
To prevent internal parasite infestations from affecting your chickens, you can use diatomaceous earth (DE) powder.
Not only is the organic powder used to clean the coop, but it can also be fed directly to poultry to protect against common worms.
Effects
I like diatomaceous earth for chickens because it is a natural remedy and very easy to use. There’s also no withdrawal period for eggs, but be sure to use the food-grade DE that is safe for both human and pet consumption.
Natural
Because DE is free of chemicals or additives, it is a simple and healthy way to keep chickens parasite-free. DE can also be used to dust chickens against external parasites such as lice and mites.
Specs
- Natural Ingredients: Yes
- Add to Drinking Water: No
- Size: 10 lbs
Pros
- Organic remedy for worming chickens
- Easy to apply to food
- No egg withdrawal
- Preventative solution
Cons
- Cannot eliminate all types of worms
- Is not fast-acting
How to Choose the Best Wormers for Chickens
When my Buff Orpington was infected by worms, I didn’t know much about worming chickens and the types of parasites that could affect poultry. Needless to say, I was shocked when I found a stringy-looking critter in her poop!
While it certainly wasn’t a pleasant experience, I was thankful that I could see the worm with the naked eye so that I knew I needed to deworm her immediately!
To help you prevent the problems associated with the type of worms that affect chickens, let’s first take a look at the signs of infected birds and the options for treatment.
The Symptoms of Worms in Chickens
Chickens can get worms from their outdoor environment or when a new bird is introduced to the coop that hasn’t been dewormed.
Wild birds and their droppings are also a common cause of the spread of worms in and around the coop.
What to look out for
Obvious signs that you’re dealing with parasites are visible worms in the droppings or sudden weight loss in a chicken with a fairly good appetite.
Other symptoms include a pale comb, eye problems, gasping or gaping, and abnormal poop. Hens that are heavily infected by worms will decrease their egg production, but could also have worms in their eggs!
Common Parasitic Worms Found in Chickens
To provide your chickens the right worming treatment, it is important to understand the types of worms that commonly affect them:
Roundworms
Roundworms can grow up to 6 inches and cause many problems for otherwise healthy chickens. Roundworms will usually live in the small intestine and cause symptoms such as pale combs, weight loss, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Gape Worms
If you notice your chicken constantly gaping or gasping, it could be infected by gape worms. These parasites live in the throat of a chicken, where it causes breathing difficulties, an inability to eat, and overall ill-health.
Hair Worms
Hair worms have a stringy appearance but are very difficult to see with the naked eye.
They are also known as capillary worms or threadworms, and live in the digestive tract and crop of chickens. When capillary worms are present, a bird will present with a pale comb, lethargy, decreased appetite, and rapid weight loss.
Here is a quick informative video about parasites commonly found in chickens
Eye Worms
Chickens can become infected by eye worms when scratching through infested bedding and poop. These parasites leave chickens with unpleasant symptoms including itchy eyes, discharge, poor appetite, and risk of secondary infection owed to scratching the eye.
Tapeworms
Tapeworm is less common in poultry compared to other types of worms, but if your chickens are suffering from an infestation, you are sure to notice the signs. Chickens may have tapeworm when they continue to eat, but appear emaciated and lack energy.
Birds can get infected by consuming the worm eggs present in slugs and snails. For outdoor flocks, it can be difficult to manage the parasitic life cycle because chickens will eat the eggs that reside in their garden grubs.
Protozoa
Coccidia is not a worm but a type of protozoa known to kill young chickens with a weak immune system.
Infestations can cause ongoing weight loss and eventual death. It is best treated with a medicated feed in combination with immune-boosting supplements and the maintenance of a clean coop.
Cecal Worms
Chickens are known carriers of cecal worms and usually live with the parasite with few adverse effects.
These worms will maintain their life cycle by shedding in the droppings of infected birds where they will migrate to the ceca. You can reduce cecal worms with the appropriate dose of fenbendazole.
How to Treat Worms in Chickens
When you notice worms in one chicken, the entire flock should be treated with an anti-parasitic.
Worms usually spread between birds living in close quarters, so your first line of defense is to break the cycle of reinfestation with a medication containing ivermectin or fenbendazole.
There are many alternative remedies that you can use if you want to raise chicks organically, though a heavily infested flock should be treated with a fast-acting solution. This will target the worms and their eggs upon the first application.
How to Prevent Worms in Chickens
You can prevent the spread of parasites such as coccidia by maintaining a clean coop. Little birds that get into the nest area should be controlled to stop their droppings from spreading worm eggs.
Alternative remedies including immune-boosting supplements can also help outdoor chickens fight off disease.
TIP
The best approach is to schedule medications every few months to reduce and eliminate worms.
Will There Be An Egg Withdrawal Period?
When you treat a laying chicken with chemical wormers, you may have to wait a long time before you can safely consume the eggs.
The time it takes from the application of the medicine to what is considered safe for eating eggs is known as the egg withdrawal period.
Can I Eat Chicken Eggs After Worming?
For safety purposes, it is best not to eat the eggs while using wormers…
Some believe that the chemicals can be transferred into the eggs, though research and vets claim that there is no waiting period for egg consumption while deworming a chicken.
For safety purposes, it is best not to eat the eggs while using wormers.
How Often Should Chickens be Dewormed?
A chicken can be dewormed every 3 to 6 months.
Be sure to follow the directions carefully to target the stages of parasitic development from the worm eggs to the adults.
What are the Best Natural Treatments for Internal Parasites?
Naturally based remedies are favored because it is kind to chicken health and digestion; however, never ignore the signs of an ailing bird and consult with your veterinarian if your flock becomes very sick with a worm infestation.
If you are raising your chicks organically or you want gentle wormers for laying hens, the following remedies can help you deworm your chickens naturally:
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
A little bit of apple cider vinegar can go a long way in managing a worm infestation.
Apple Cider creates an environment in the gut of a chicken that is not conducive for the survival of worms. It is also a great way to naturally boost egg production in laying hens.
Raw Shelled Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin has come under much debate as a solution, as there is little evidence to support its efficacy in preventing or controlling worms in chickens.
My chooks love the seeds since they will never harm them when added to their diet as the odd treat. If it does help with worms, then it’s an added bonus!
Diatomaceous Earth
DE is an organic option for controlling worms in your feathered friends. The powder is easily added to the diet of your chickens and works to stop the larvae from developing into an adult worm.
If you are thinking of using DE, it can take a long time to disrupt the life cycle of the worm and should be used as a maintenance product over a few months.
The Top Medicated Treatments for Worm Infestations
Fenbendazole 10%
Fenbendazole will treat gapeworm, threadworm, roundworm, and the cecal worm. It is most commonly added to feed or given to birds in the form of a paste.
Ivermectin
This medication will target threadworm, roundworm, gapeworm, and common bird parasites such as mites and lice.
It is applied topically as a pour-on treatment or as an oral suspension. You only need to apply a little bit to eliminate worms.
Conclusion
Nobody wants to deal with a case of worms in their chickens but it is a natural part of poultry keeping and therefore prevention is always better than cure!
By keeping the coop clean, feeding your birds a healthy diet, and regularly worming your chickens, you can keep most types of parasites at bay.
The symptoms of an infestation will depend on the type of worm that has taken up residence inside a chicken.
Organic Chicken Wormer
Preventing Worms
Remember that worm eggs are easily transmitted and therefore regularly scheduled worming is the best way to maintain a strong flock.
You can use fast-acting products such as Safeguard or Durvet Ivermectin to reduce those nasty worms!
Natural Supplements
You can also prevent future infestations by using simple foods such as apple cider vinegar. I never recommend using these foods to replace a worm treatment, though adding healthy supplements here and there can help chickens overcome many ailments – all without having to sacrifice any eggs!
Once you’re done treating your flock, consider treating them to a nice helping of mealworms for chickens to keep them happy and healthy.
