Worm infection in chickens: symptoms, causes, and prevention!
Often the problem is only discovered when it is already too late. This is because the symptoms only become visible later. This makes it so important to maintain the gut health of chickens and to make them more resilient against worms. If chickens are infected with internal worms, the following symptoms may become visible over time: Chickens lose weight, Chickens appear tired, Pale combs, Hunched posture, Bloody diarrhea, Illness.
Worms
15 April '22 • 1 min reading time
Types of Worms in Chickens
Chickens can become infected with different types of worms. They can suffer from this and/or even become ill. Not all worms cause symptoms in chickens. Chickens can be infected with three types of worms: roundworms, tapeworms, and hairworms. Roundworms are the most common worms in the intestines of chickens. There are two variants of the roundworm, namely the large and the small. The large variant settles in the small intestine and the small variant in the large intestine. These worms feed on partially digested food in the intestines. Tapeworms, like roundworms, feed on undigested food in the intestines of chickens. They establish themselves in the cavities of the intestines. Hairworms are hardly visible to the naked eye. They attach themselves to the mucous membrane in the small intestine or esophagus of chickens. Gapeworms cause gapeworm disease in chickens and settle in the trachea.
Diagnosis of worm infection in chickens
A worm infection is hardly visible to the naked eye. It is possible to have the feces checked by a veterinarian. Collect some feces in, for example, a sandwich bag and take it to the veterinarian. This is definitely recommended to do (semi)annually.
How can worms be prevented in chickens?
Since worms are not visible to the naked eye, an infection is often discovered too late. Additionally, symptoms only become visible when the infection is severe. Therefore, it is advisable to make the intestines of the chickens more resilient against worm eggs. A liquid supplement for the drinking water, based on herbs and essential oils, can help improve resistance to worms. Eggs can still be eaten normally. Furthermore, it is important to keep the chicken coop and bedding dry. Provide feed in containers and do not scatter it on the ground.
Treating worms:
Have the chickens contracted a worm infection? Then it may be necessary to administer a deworming treatment. Only do this if a severe worm infection has been confirmed after a fecal examination. Never use a deworming treatment preventively, as worms can otherwise become resistant to deworming agents. A moderate infection can be effectively treated with a supplement in the drinking water.
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