How to Kill Tapeworms in Chickens

Internal parasites in chicken are fairly common. Tapeworms are a little more rare, but can happen on farms. Usually, chickens catch external parasites, which can be difficult to eradicate. If your chickens have a tapeworm infestation, you can treat them on your own and create an ongoing parasite prevention system. Several remedies can keep your chickens parasite-free, which includes keeping their living quarters clean and feeding them certain worming medications or herbs. Some signs of tapeworm infestation include rapid weight loss, lethargy and difficulty breathing.

Things You'll Need

  • Verm-X
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase an herbal wormer called Verm-X. It is used to eliminate all internal parasites in chickens. The liquid dosage calls for one pump per bird of drinking water or you can place the pumped liquid on a piece of bread for three days in a row. If you use the pellet form of Verm-X, give one scoop of the powder per bird every day in their food for three consecutive days. If the bird is under 4 months old, use half the dosage.

    • 2

      Eliminate muddy puddles, which can harbor bacteria and organisms that carry tapeworm. Ensure that the birds roam on sunny, grassy land, where there are far fewer parasite hosts. Sunlight kills the tapeworm larvae.

    • 3

      Clean the chicken's living quarters and keep the grass short. Give them clean hay and remove the old hay. Plant grass on patchy areas.

    • 4

      Allow the birds more free range to limit buildup of feces in one area.

    • 5

      Keep their water and food clean and free of feces. Use specially made chicken feeders, which keep the food free from debris.