How to Deworm Chickens Naturally?

Raising chickens can be fun and enthusiastic, but you must also deal with challenges like health issues, coop maintenance, and predators.

Internal worms are one such common problem most poultry owners experience.

While commercial dewormers have their place, many poultry keepers prefer natural approaches that are gentler on their birds and don’t require egg withdrawal periods.

In this write-up, we shall learn thoroughly about effective natural deworming methods for chickens.

These strategies can help maintain your flock’s health without harsh chemicals, keeping your chickens happy and your egg production steady.

From preventative coop management to powerful herbal remedies, you’ll discover how generations of poultry keepers have managed worm infestations using nature’s pharmacy.

Let’s explore how to make your feathered friends worm-free the natural way!

Understanding Chicken Worms

Before diving into treatments, it’s essential to recognize the common types of worms that affect chickens:

• Roundworms: The most common internal parasites, appearing as spaghetti-like creatures in droppings. They can grow up to 3 inches long and live in the small intestine, absorbing nutrients meant for the chicken.
• Cecal worms: Small worms that inhabit the ceca (intestinal pouches). While they cause minimal direct damage, they can transmit Histomonas meleagridis, which causes blackhead disease.
• Tapeworms: Flat, segmented worms that attach to intestinal walls using hook-like mouthparts. They require an intermediate host like beetles, earthworms, or snails to complete their lifecycle.
• Capillary worms: Tiny, thread-like worms that infect the crop, esophagus, and intestines, causing inflammation and thickening of the tissues.
• Gapeworms: These distinctive Y-shaped worms reside in the trachea, causing gasping or “gaping” as chickens struggle to breathe around the obstruction.

What Are Signs of Worm Infestation in Chickens?

Detecting worms in chickens early is crucial to preventing severe health complications. While a mild infestation might not show obvious symptoms, a heavier worm load can lead to serious health issues.

Below mentioned are key symptoms to watch:

1. Pale Combs and Wattles

A pale or discoloured comb and wattles can indicate anaemia caused by heavy worm infestations, particularly those that feed on blood, such as capillary worms.

2. Weight Loss Despite Normal Eating

Chickens with worms often appear thin or underweight because the parasites steal nutrients from their digestive system.

3. Decreased Egg Production

If your hens suddenly lay fewer eggs or their eggs are smaller or have weak shells, worms might be depleting their nutritional reserves.

4. Lethargy and Weakness

Affected birds may appear sluggish, reluctant to move, or spend more time resting than usual. Severe infestations can make them too weak to perch or forage properly.

5. Diarrhea or Abnormal Droppings

Loose, watery, or foamy droppings can indicate an internal parasite problem. Some worm infestations cause blood or mucus in droppings.

6. Visible Worms in Feces

Roundworms and tapeworm segments may sometimes be seen in fresh droppings, especially in severe infestations. This is a clear indication that deworming is necessary.

7. Gasping or “Gaping” for Air (Specific to Gapeworms)

Chickens infected with gapeworms will stretch their necks and open their beaks repeatedly in a “gaping” motion as they struggle to breathe. This occurs because the worms block the trachea (windpipe).

8. Poor Feather Condition

Malnutrition caused by worms can lead to dull, ruffled, or patchy feathers.

9. Increased Scratching or Pecking at the Vent

Chickens may pick at their vents if they feel irritation from worms affecting their digestive tract.

If left untreated, a severe worm infestation can weaken a chicken to the point where it succumbs to infection, malnutrition, or anemia.

If you suspect worms, check droppings for visible parasites and monitor flock health. A vet’s fecal float test can confirm infections.

Also Read: How to Prevent Bird Flu in Backyard Chickens?

How to Deworm Chickens Naturally?

While chemical dewormers are effective, many poultry keepers prefer natural alternatives to avoid medication residues and support long-term flock health.

By focusing on prevention, natural remedies, and a well-maintained environment, you can control parasites without relying on synthetic treatments.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a natural compound that paralyzes worms, making it easier for chickens to expel them. Thus, pumpkin seeds are a safe, effective, and chemical-free deworming option.

• Grind raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds and mix them with feed (1/4 cup per hen).
• Offer whole seeds as a treat for chickens to eat freely.
• Feed for three consecutive days and repeat monthly for prevention.
• Use fresh seeds for the best results, as stored seeds may lose potency.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized algae. Its microscopic sharp edges damage parasites’ exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them naturally.

• Mix 2% DE into feed (1 pound per 50 pounds of feed).
• Use only food-grade DE, as pool-grade DE is toxic.
• Wear a mask when applying to avoid inhaling fine dust.
• Sprinkle directly onto droppings boards or the coop floor to kill worm eggs and larvae.
• Add 1 cup DE to 5 cups of dust bath material to help chickens naturally repel parasites.
• Works best as a preventative rather than a treatment for heavy infestations.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a natural antibacterial and antiparasitic compound that helps deter worms while boosting overall chicken health.

• Add 2-3 crushed garlic cloves per gallon of drinking water.
• Mix 1-2 minced cloves per 4-5 chickens into feed.
• Ferment garlic in water for 24 hours to increase potency.
• Use for one week on, one week off, repeating for a month.
• For severe infestations, increase to 3-4 cloves per 4-5 chickens.
• It also supports immunity and may help repel mites and lice.

Oregano

Oregano contains natural antimicrobial and antiparasitic compounds that help fight worms and infections.

• Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano per hen to feed.
• Brew oregano tea (2 tablespoons dried oregano per quart of hot water), cool, and add to drinking water.
• Offer fresh oregano in the run for chickens to forage.
• Mix 1 drop of food-grade oregano essential oil with one tablespoon of olive oil, then blend into 1 pound of feed.
• Use for 5-7 consecutive days for best results.
• It is also beneficial for respiratory health and coccidiosis prevention.

Check this: How Cold Is Too Cold For Chickens?

Wormwood

Wormwood is a powerful traditional dewormer that must be used with caution due to its potency.

• Add no more than 1/4 teaspoon dried wormwood per bird to feed.
• Administer for only 3 consecutive days to avoid toxicity.
• It is not recommended during egg-laying or for pregnant animals.
• Allow at least 3 weeks between treatments.
• Grow in the chicken run—chickens will self-medicate by eating small amounts.

Caution: Wormwood contains thujone, which can be toxic in excess. Use sparingly.

Thyme

Thyme contains thymol, a compound that helps expel intestinal worms while offering antibacterial benefits.

• Sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried thyme per hen into feed.
• Provide fresh thyme in foraging areas for self-medication.
• Brew thyme tea (2 tablespoons fresh thyme per quart hot water), cool, and add to waterers.
• Use for 5-7 consecutive days for best effectiveness.
• Safe for regular use as a preventative.

Black Walnut Hulls

Black walnut hulls contain juglone, a powerful antiparasitic compound that helps eliminate worms.

• Add 1/4 teaspoon black walnut hull powder per bird to feed.
• Use for no more than 3 consecutive days to prevent toxicity.
• Allow 2-3 weeks between treatments.
• It is not recommended for continuous use by young birds.

Caution: Black walnut is potent and should be used sparingly.

Nasturtiums

These bright edible flowers have natural compounds that help expel intestinal parasites while boosting chicken health.

• Plant nasturtiums in the chicken run for self-medication.
• Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flowers and leaves per bird to feed.
• Dry leaves and flowers for winter use.
• Safe for regular consumption and adds variety to their diet.
• It also attracts beneficial insects and improves the garden environment.

Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne contains capsaicin, which helps create an inhospitable environment for parasites without affecting chickens.

• Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder per bird to feed.
• Mix with a small amount of molasses to improve palatability.
• Use for up to 7 days at a time for best effectiveness.
• It is beneficial in reducing roundworms in chickens.

Also Read: 70 Things Chickens Can Eat & 30 Food Items to Avoid

How to Prevent Worms in Chickens?

Preventing worms in chickens is far easier than treating an infestation. A strong prevention plan focuses on clean housing, proper nutrition, and natural anti-parasitic strategies to reduce the risk of worms taking hold in your flock.

Keep the Coop Clean

Keep the coop clean by removing droppings, using dry bedding, and deep-cleaning feeders. Proper deep litter management helps break down eggs.

Manage the Chicken Run Properly

A dry, well-drained run prevents worm infestations. Use gravel or wood chips to reduce moisture, rotate grazing areas to limit exposure, and avoid overcrowding to minimize parasite spread through droppings and foraging.

Support the Immune System with Proper Nutrition

Intense nutrition helps chickens resist worms. Offer a balanced diet, fresh water, and protein. Supplement with apple cider vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, pumpkin seeds, and diatomaceous earth to promote gut health and prevent parasites naturally.

Reduce Parasite Carriers

To reduce parasite exposure, keep feed covered to deter insects and wild birds. Manage slug and snail populations, as they often carry worm larvae that can infect your flock.

Monitor and Test Regularly

Monitor your flock for signs of worms like weight loss, pale combs, and abnormal droppings. Conduct fecal tests periodically and quarantine new birds for at least two weeks to prevent infestations.

Conclusion

Keeping chickens worm-free naturally requires prevention, a clean environment, and targeted natural treatments. While it takes more effort than chemical dewormers, it leads to healthier birds and residue-free eggs.

Every flock faces unique parasite risks, so it is essential to observe your chickens and adjust your approach. A consistent, natural deworming routine helps maintain a strong, productive flock.

Instead of relying on quick fixes, create a system that discourages parasites while supporting overall health, reducing worm issues, and allowing you to enjoy your chickens more.