Before administering any worming medication, worms must have been diagnosed in the chickens. Since the stage of worm infestation is usually during the egg stage, and these eggs are not visible to the human eye, there is a need to take a fecal sample of your chickens for a ‘worm egg count.’
The easiest way to do worm egg count is using the postal worm count kits for chickens. Gloves, a sample collection bag, and a pre-paid envelope are included in the kit. The worm count is performed in a laboratory using a microscope, and the results are sent to you via email, along with information about the number of eggs laid and if you need to worm your chickens.
If the results come out and the worm eggs present are in a large number, employing simply natural methods to combat the worms won’t completely eradicate them; instead, you will need to use chemical worming techniques.
With many chemical wormers on the market, you need to consult your veterinarian on which will be most suitable and those that are available in your country or area.
The frequency of using these chemical wormers should be left up to your discretion since you will be best qualified to determine whether or not your birds require worming, particularly in light of the environmental conditions and your husbandry practices.
Active Ingredients present in chemical wormers
Flubendazole
It is mostly effective against roundworms, gapeworms, capillary, and caecal worms. Some brand names include Flubenvet, Flubendazole, Solubenol, and Filmabend, which are approved in Ireland, Turkey, and the Uk. Flubendazole is mostly added to drinking water or bird feed in small amounts.
Fenbendazole
Some branded names are Safe-Guard Aquasol and Panacur, available in Europe and the US. It works against roundworms, gapeworms, some capillary worms, tapeworms, and caecal worms.
The mode of application is by injection or drenching. Ivermectin works against roundworms, gapeworms, capillary worms, and caecal worms. Brand names include Harka-mectin and Ivomec.
Piperazine
It is mostly available in Australia and Canada. It is effectively used against roundworms, gapeworms, capillary worms, caecal worms, and tapeworms. The brand name is Wazine.
Hygromycin B
Branded names are Hygromix and Rooster Booster. This works against roundworms, capillary worms, and caecal worms. It is available in the United States.
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