INTERNAL PARASITES IN CHICKENS
We worm our cats & dogs, it is equally important to worm our hens to ensure good health.
SYMPTOMS

Weight loss

Greenish diarrhoea

Reduced egg production

Birds may appear lethargic, ill and anaemic (pale
combs and wattles)

Birds may have respiratory symptoms as some worms
live in the respiratory tract

Worm egg counts can easily be done using a
collection kit
DIAGNOSIS

Occasionally worms will be seen in the droppings
Common types of worms which can be treated with a standard wormer such as Flubenvet are:
ROUNDWORMS (ASCARIDS)
These are the largest and most commonly seen worms in backyard poultry. They are up to 5cm long, white and
may be visible in droppings with heavy infestations. They may cause a blockage in the gut with a severe burden.
Roundworm in droppings
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HAIRWORMS (CAPILLARIA)
These are small and hair-like and difficult to see with the naked eye. Although tiny, hairworms can cause
considerable damage to the digestive tract even in mild-moderate infestations, and may be fatal.
TRACHEAL WORMS (SYNGAMUS TRACHEA = GAPE WORM)
These worms live in and irritate the lining of the trachea and lead to respiratory disease causing the bird to breathe
with an open/gaping mouth. Worms can cause a physical blockage of the trachea leading to suffocation.
Gapeworm is not common in hens and is often confused with other respiratory diseases.
The exception to the above is tapeworm which is difficult to treat and standard wormer is ineffective.
Section of Trachea showing Gapeworm blockage
TAPEWORM
Tapeworms are flattened segmented, ribbon-shaped worms. Usually only the small segments are seen in the
droppings. These are uncommon in chickens but may live in the intestine and cause weight loss. Praziquantrel has
been shown to be effective but is NOT licensed for use in poultry.
Tapeworm segments in droppings
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TREATMENT

Flubendazole (Flubenvet (Elanco)) is currently the
only all-in-one wormer licensed for poultry in the UK,
and is given in the feed at a rate of 10g per 8kg feed
daily for 7 days. It has zero egg withhold. (Please
note Flubenvet is ineffective against tapeworms.

Natural products may help with gut health but are
generally less effective than veterinary products.
Photo of a Flubenvet pack
PREVENTION

Prevent worms building up by regularly rotating pens
in muddy or highly stocked areas reducing earthworm
hosts.

Reducing stress will also help prevent intestinal
worms from proliferating

Worm eggs are very persistent and resistant to many
common disinfectants.

Worming 3 monthly (or 6 monthly in the Spring and
Autumn) is strongly advised.
Please note: This information is based on our experience and research and we do not accept any responsibility for
advice given. If you are in any doubt about the health of your hen(s) you should always seek veterinary advice.
For further advice please email [email protected] (Gaynor Davies RVN MBVNA veterinary nurse for the
BHWT) or call Hen Central on 01884 860084.
British Hen Welfare Trust, Hope Chapel, Rose Ash, South Molton, Devon, EX36 4RF
www.bhwt.co.uk
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