Worming and Caring for Poultry

When to worm

Worming by routine is not always necessary. Testing the flock a few times a year, and especially in spring and autumn, shows you whether treatment is needed. Birds that are thin, have dull feathers, lay poorly or have diarrhoea are worth testing.

Choosing a wormer

Only a small number of wormers are licensed for poultry, and some are available only through your vet or a registered animal medicines adviser. Always check the label or ask your vet about the right product and dose, and about egg and meat withdrawal times, which differ between products. If you sell or give away eggs, this matters.

How to take a sample

• Collect fresh droppings, ideally from that morning
• Take droppings from up to 5 birds in one pool sample, and use a separate kit for each further group of birds
• Choose normal firm droppings, not the dark, sticky, strong-smelling caecal droppings
• Use the spoon and gloves in the kit, seal the pouch and post it Monday to Wednesday

Reducing the worm burden

• Rotate or rest ground where you can, as worm eggs build up on bare, heavily used patches
• Keep feeders and drinkers off the ground and clean them often
• Remove droppings regularly from houses and runs
• Avoid overstocking and keep damp areas drained
• Keep wild birds away from feed and water
• Quarantine new birds and test them before they join the flock