Common Signs Your Chicken Might Have Worms
Chickens are pretty good at hiding illness, so spotting the early signs of a worm problem can take a little observation. Here’s what to look for:
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Weight loss despite normal eating
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Pale combs and wattles
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Decrease in egg production
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Lethargy or low energy
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Watery or foamy droppings
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Dirty vent feathers
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Visible worms in droppings (yep, gross—but it happens)
If you’re seeing several of these signs at once, it’s worth investigating further.
Confirming a Worm Problem
To be 100% sure, you can take a fecal sample to a vet for testing. This will tell you exactly what type of worms your chickens may have—and how serious the infestation is.
Some common culprits include:
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Roundworms: Look like spaghetti in droppings
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Cecal worms: Tiny and hard to spot, but can carry deadly parasites
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Tapeworms: Segmented and flat
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Gapeworms: Affect the respiratory system and cause gasping
What to Do If Your Chicken Has Worms
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Isolate sick birds if possible, especially if they’re very underweight or lethargic.
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Clean the coop thoroughly—remove all bedding, sanitize feeders and waterers, and replace with fresh materials.
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Use a targeted dewormer based on the type of worm. Options include:
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Natural remedies (like pumpkin seeds or garlic)
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Over-the-counter treatments (always follow dosage instructions)
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Vet-prescribed medications for more severe infestations
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Repeat the treatment after 7–14 days to break the life cycle of the worms.
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Monitor your flock and continue good sanitation and rotational grazing, if possible.
Tips for Prevention
Keeping worms at bay is easier than treating them. Here’s how:
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Regularly clean the coop and run using a powerful, poultry-safe solution like Coop Care’s All-Purpose Cleaner to help reduce bacteria and parasite buildup.
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Avoid overcrowding
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Don’t let feed or droppings accumulate
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Support your flock’s digestive health with Coop Care’s Acimate Gut Health Booster—a daily supplement that promotes healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
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Rotate your flock’s access to different areas of your yard if possible
Some chicken keepers also schedule routine deworming in spring and fall to stay ahead of potential infestations.
A Healthy Flock is a Happy Flock
Worms may be common, but they don’t have to be a major issue if you catch them early. Stay observant, act quickly, and keep your flock's environment clean and well-managed.
Noticing any signs in your flock? Don’t panic—just take action.
