Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hi everyone,

I recently noticed tiny white worms moving slowly in my chickens' poop. Im concerned that they might be roundworms or another type of parasite. Has anyone dealt with this before? What kind of dewormer would be best to treat them, and should I treat the whole flock or just the affected chickens?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

If the worms are tiny and white, they could be tapeworm segments rather than roundworms. Tapeworms require a different dewormer, like Praziquantel. Make sure to also control insects like beetles and flies, as they can spread tapeworms.

Parasite loads tend to be higher in wet or muddy conditions. If your coop and run are damp, consider improving drainage and adding fresh bedding to help keep things dry and reduce reinfection risks.

You should also check their dietsometimes, nutritional deficiencies can make chickens more susceptible to parasites. Make sure they have a balanced feed, clean water, and access to grit.

I deworm my flock every few months as a preventative measure using Fenbendazole. Some people only treat when they see worms, but regular deworming can help prevent large infestations.

I'd recommend withholding eggs for a short period after deworming, depending on the medication used. Some dewormers require an egg withdrawal time to ensure no residues are passed on.

It sounds like your chickens might have tapeworms or another type of intestinal parasite. A good dewormer to try is Fenbendazole (Safe-Guard) or Albendazole. You may also want to check with a vet to confirm the best treatment.

I use natural methods like adding diatomaceous earth and garlic to their feed to help prevent worms. It might not eliminate a current infestation, but it can help reduce future problems.

I'd recommend sending a fecal sample to a vet for testing. That way, you can confirm what type of parasite it is and get the right dewormer. Some worms need a different treatment than others!

If your chickens free-range, they are more likely to pick up worms from insects, wild birds, and contaminated soil. Regular deworming or natural preventatives might be necessary to keep them healthy.