Parasitic worms can infect your chickens by ingestion of a parasite egg.
- At risk:
- Chickens raised in outdoor environments that are infested by eating things on the ground
- Chickens raised in cages that are infested by eating flying insects
- Symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Weakness or droopiness
- Diarrhea
- Gasping, coughing or shaking of the head
- Death
- Cause:
- Ingestion of parasite egg, often found in chicken droppings
- Ingestion of a creature (e.g., worm, ant, dragon fly) that has eaten a parasite egg
- Treatment:
- Have droppings evaluated by a vet on a regular basis (e.g., 4 times per year)
- Follow advice from vet to administer de-worming drugs
- Parasitic Worms Prevention:
- Avoid overcrowding
- Maintain sanitary conditions
- Reduce stress on your flock
For detailed information on other common ailments, see related posts below.
