Signs of Worms in Chickens

Chickens are a popular bird to raise and eat. Because chicken is such a versatile bird, the meat and eggs can be used in a lot of recipes. Just like with other animals, there are parasites that can harm the chickens and kill them if left untreated. While some worm infestations will reveal no outward signs on the chicken, it is still necessary to de-worm the poultry to keep them healthy.

  1. Diarrhea and Anemia

    • When chickens have hairworms or tapeworms, diarrhea and anemia will typically appear. Because the bathroom habits of chickens are so random, you will need to pay close attention. Their stool will be loose and may have a green to yellow color.

    Pale Yolks and Low Egg Production

    • Hairworm and roundworm infestations will present with a lowered egg production from your hens. The eggs you see may also have a very pale yolk, suggesting that the hen is infested with at least one of these two types of worms. You can see a dramatic loss in egg production or a slow decline, depending on the severity of the worms.

    Respiratory Distress

    • Chickens will begin to gasp or make rattling noises in their throats, like they cannot breath properly, when they are infested with gapeworms. Pay attention to their behavior, such as how much they cluck and make noise and what it sounds like. Gapeworms will infect the trachea and make it hard for them to breathe. This worm will kill the chicken if left untreated.

    Body Language

    • Body language is an important factor when it comes to chickens, because you can tell what their emotional standpoint is. If the chicken is hunched over, sagging its wings, sticking out its neck like it is uncomfortable, the chances of it having a worm infestation is high. If the chicken seems like it is under duress for no reason in particular, then something internal is wrong.