If you’re raising chickens, there’s a good chance you’ve already wondered about worms. It’s not the most glamorous part of poultry care, but it’s one of the most important.
Internal parasites can quietly drain the health and vitality from your flock, and left unchecked, they lead to weight loss, dull feathers, fewer eggs, and even death in serious cases.
However, you don’t always have to reach for chemicals first. With the right natural methods, you can help your chickens stay strong, worm-free, and thriving.
If you’re just starting out or prefer a more holistic approach, this guide will walk you through everything step by step.
Why Worms Are a Big Deal for Chickens
Worms are more common in chickens than most people realize. Because chickens spend so much time scratching in the dirt, pecking at bugs, and walking through their own droppings, they can easily pick up microscopic worm eggs.
These eggs travel to the digestive system and hatch inside your chicken, where they begin to grow and feed off the nutrients your birds need to stay healthy.
You won’t always see worms in droppings. Sometimes, the only signs are subtle.
You might notice a hen that looks tired, eats less, loses weight, or lays fewer eggs. In some cases, chickens will develop pale combs or loose, watery poop.
6 Natural Dewormers for Your Chickens
Garlic: Nature’s Gut Protector
Garlic is a powerhouse. It has natural antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In chickens, it’s often used to boost the immune system and improve gut health.
Many backyard keepers believe that garlic helps deter parasites by creating an uninviting environment inside the digestive system.
To use garlic, crush one or two cloves and drop them into a gallon of drinking water. Let it sit overnight, then offer it to your flock for three days straight.
You can repeat this once a month as part of your health routine. Chickens usually accept garlic water without much fuss, especially if you start early.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balancing the Gut
Apple cider vinegar, especially the raw, unfiltered kind with the mother, has been used in animal care for generations.
It’s not a dewormer in the traditional sense, but it does help maintain a healthy gut environment. Its mild acidity can support digestion, boost good bacteria, and discourage the conditions worms thrive in.
You just add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar per gallon of water. Use this mix for three to five days each month.
Also, avoid using it in metal waterers, as the vinegar can react with the metal and release harmful substances.
Pumpkin Seeds: A Folk Remedy That’s Worth Trying
Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds are a popular home remedy for internal parasites. They contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which is believed to temporarily paralyze worms, making it easier for them to be expelled from the body.
While studies on chickens are limited, many flock owners swear by this old-fashioned approach.
To use pumpkin seeds, grind them into small pieces using a food processor or mortar and pestle. You can mix one or two tablespoons per bird into their feed or mash.
Some people combine them with shredded carrot, a little yogurt, or coconut oil to make it more appealing. Offer this treat every other week for maintenance.
Herbs That Support Internal Chicken Health
Oregano is known for its antimicrobial properties and is sometimes used in commercial poultry feeds. Thyme contains thymol, which may disrupt parasite activity.
Also, mint soothes the digestive system, while wormwood has a long history of traditional use against intestinal worms, though it should be used in small amounts and never for long periods.
You can chop fresh herbs and scatter them in the coop or mix them into feed once or twice a week.
You can also brew a strong tea using a handful of herbs steeped in boiling water, let it cool, and add it to their drinking water for a day or two.
The scent alone can help repel pests, and chickens love foraging through the greens, getting a variety of beneficial compounds in the process.
Diatomaceous Earth: A Powder with a Purpose
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It works by damaging the outer layer of insects and parasites, causing them to dehydrate and die.
While DE is more commonly used externally for mites and lice, some chicken owners also add it to feed in small amounts to help internally.
You just mix about two percent of your chicken feed’s weight with food-grade DE. For example, if you’re preparing five pounds of feed, you’d add around 1.5 ounces of DE.
Use caution when handling it as the fine dust can irritate your lungs, so wear a mask and avoid breathing it in. Never use the type meant for pools or industrial use.
Cayenne Pepper: A Gentle Kick for the Gut
Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound that gives peppers their heat. Interestingly, chickens aren’t sensitive to capsaicin like humans are, so they don’t taste the heat.
You can add a pinch of cayenne (about 1/4 teaspoon per pound of feed) once a week. It works well when combined with garlic or herbs.
Plus, it may improve blood circulation and boost overall resilience in colder weather.
How to Use These Remedies Together
One of the most effective ways to manage worms naturally is by using a gentle rotation throughout the month.
You don’t need to overwhelm your flock with everything at once. Instead, focus on one remedy each week to keep things balanced.
Start with garlic water for a few days during week one. In week two, offer pumpkin seed mash as a treat. Week three is perfect for adding chopped herbs to their feed or coop.
In the final week, add DE to the feed and refresh nesting boxes. This routine can be repeated monthly and adjusted seasonally based on your climate or flock’s condition.
See more: How to Build a Chicken Snack Patch
Don’t Forget Cleanliness and Coop Habits
Worm eggs can live in damp bedding, muddy runs, and dirty waterers. Therefore, keeping your flock’s home clean is half the battle.
You should change bedding frequently and clean out droppings, especially under roosts. Provide dust bathing areas filled with dry soil, sand, ash, and a little DE.
Besides, rotate their free-range areas if possible to give parasite eggs time to die off in the soil. If you use deep litter, turn it often to keep it dry and composting efficiently.
When Natural Isn’t Enough
There are times when natural remedies might not be enough. If your chickens seem sickly, have persistent diarrhea, or if you see visible worms in their droppings, it’s time to get a fecal test.
A local vet or extension service can help identify which parasites are present and recommend the right treatment.
In those cases, a commercial dewormer might be necessary. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Think of it like using antibiotics for a serious infection, you handle the crisis, then return to your natural routine once your flock has recovered.
Final Thoughts
Natural deworming is about observation, and prevention. These gentle methods won’t eliminate heavy infestations overnight, but they do help reduce parasite pressure and keep your birds in better balance over time.
You’ll likely notice better energy, stronger eggshells, shinier feathers, and a more content flock overall.
