Naturally Protect Chickens from Intestinal Worms
Poultry birds like chickens are susceptible to intestinal worms, especially if they are raised under a free-range or deep-litter system. Worms are a fairly common problem in birds and can affect the growth performance, feed conversion including the egg-producing capacity of hens.
This article will discuss some procedures that should be followed to prevent birds from being infested with worms and what symptoms are presented by birds that have worms. It will also introduce homemade or organic dewormers for chickens that can be used to eliminate worm problems.
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| Backyard chicken |
Chickens become infested with worms by feeding or drinking contaminated feed or water. Poultry birds are usually raised on free-range or deep-litter, and this causes them to be exposed to eating worms, slugs and other animals on the ground; hence, they get infested.
Signs of Worms in Chickens
The signs that worm is affecting chickens include the following.
- Loss of weight
- Diarrhea
- Poor growth
- Poor feather quality
- Low egg production
- Emaciating look
- Thriftlessness
Organic Dewormers for Chickens
There are several antihelminthics drugs to expel parasitic worms and other endoparasites from the body of birds. However, some common natural remedies to deworm chickens are described below.
Garlic
Garlic has numerous properties that are of great benefit to poultry chickens, among which are its anti-parasitic or antihelminthic properties.
To use garlic as an antihelminthic solution, just buy garlic powder and mix it with the feed of the chickens, or you can also dissolve it in water and pour the solution into the drinkers. You can also use fresh garlic bulbs. All you have to do is chop the garlic and mix together with their feed.
One thing to keep in mind is that if garlic is supplied to the chickens in excess, it will taint the taste or smell of their eggs.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This is another natural product that is easily accessible and has many beneficial properties to poultry health. Generally, poultry farmers often use apple cider vinegar as an antiparasitic alternative for chickens.
You just have to add one tablespoon of vinegar for every 4 litres of water and then pour the solution into the drinker of the chickens so that they drink it.
Pepper
Like garlic, pepper is quite effective in removing worms and other intestinal parasites from the body of chickens. You can provide this spice to the chickens in whole, or you can crush them and mix it with their feed. In the case of chicks, some poultry farmers manually introduce one peppercorn per chicken.
Keep in mind that eggs can taste subtly different after your birds start consuming the pepper.
Diatomaceous Earth
The diatomaceous earth is in the form of a fine white powder. It is a mineral of plant origin and is used in deworming animals. In its function as a natural dewormer for chickens, it helps to dehydrate intestinal parasites and worms in birds.
All you have to do is mix 100 grams of diatomaceous earth with 1 kilogram of feed. Then put the mixture into the feeders for the hens to eat.
How to Protect Chickens from Intestinal Worms
The main cause of intestinal worms infestation in poultry birds is their environment. So it is imperative to pay close attention to the maintenance of the pen and surroundings. Use the following tips:
- Keep the cages or the floor where the birds live clean and dry.
- Avoid overpopulation in confined spaces.
- Don’t allow your birds to be in contact with wild animals.
- Provide the flock with clean, fresh food.
- Ensure that the new chickens are quarantined for a period of 2 weeks before entering the chicken coop or pen along with the other flock.
Now that you know the most important homemade dewormers for chickens and other poultry birds, you should prevent chicken parasites or warms by administering a small dose of one of these natural treatments on a daily basis.