

Cecal Worms (also called Blindworms or Threadworms) Roundworms usually cause diarrhea, poor appetite, dullness, weight loss, and an enlarged abdomen. Ascarids may migrate to other areas of the chicken’s body, causing all sorts of issues. The chicken then passes these eggs out in its droppings, contaminating the ground again. The larvae hatch in the chicken’s gut and mature into adult worms, where they lay their eggs. They measure up to 7 inches in length, and their eggs are very hardy, surviving for years in damp conditions.Ĭhickens typically pick up these eggs from contaminated soil or droppings while they are scratching around. These are the largest and most common types of worms found in chickens. Parasites that hatch and live out their life and shelter or feed within a chicken’s body or organs are internal parasites. Here are some of the most common types of parasites that prey on chickens, categorized into internal and external varieties for your convenience. Not all parasite infestations can be treated successfully with natural means, however, and you should always consult your vet right away if one of your birds is in bad shape. Learning what these parasites are and the symptoms they cause will help alert you when treatment is needed, and also whether or not DIY natural or over-the-counter treatment is likely to be effective. Parasites invariably inflict harm on their hosts, and though they might not cause serious symptoms, at least at first, things usually get worse when their numbers increase or the health of the host starts to decline, either from their own predations or from other factors such as sickness, stress or age.Ī bad infestation of parasites combined with nutrient deficiency and sickness can easily kill a chicken, and young birds in particular. No matter what kind and no matter their lifecycle, all parasites have one thing in common: they live and thrive at the expense of your chickens. From subtle, internal parasites like cecal worms to the nasty, harrowing infestation of maggots left behind by botflies.

Regrettably, there are all kinds of nasty, parasitic life forms that can affect your chickens. What Kind of Parasites are we Dealing With? Always Consult Your Vet in Case of Serious Parasite Problems.What Kind of Parasites are we Dealing With?.
