Chickens are prone to intestinal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and gapeworms. These worms reduce egg production, cause weight loss, and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Using the right chicken wormer helps keep your flock healthy and prevents reinfestation. This guide breaks down the best chicken wormers, including medicated and natural options, so you can choose the best one for your flock.
Signs Your Chickens Need Deworming
✔ Weight Loss – Even with a good diet, infected chickens lose weight because worms steal nutrients.
✔ Pale Combs & Wattles – Indicates anemia, which can be caused by internal parasites.
✔ Diarrhea or Bloody Droppings – Worms irritate the intestines, leading to abnormal droppings.
✔ Lethargy & Weakness – Affected chickens act tired, isolate themselves, and eat less.
✔ Gaping Mouth or Wheezing – Gapeworms lodge in the throat, making it hard to breathe.
✔ Visible Worms in Droppings – If you see long, thread-like worms in droppings, your flock likely has a heavy worm load.
Best Chicken Wormers on Amazon
1. Safe-Guard (Fenbendazole) Liquid Dewormer
Best for: Treating multiple types of worms
Safe-Guard (Fenbendazole) is a broad-spectrum dewormer that effectively treats roundworms, capillary worms, and gapeworms. It’s easy to mix into drinking water or administer orally.
✅ Pros:
- Treats multiple types of worms
- Easy to mix into water or feed
- Effective for large flocks
❌ Cons:
- Requires multiple doses over 5 days
- Not effective against tapeworms
📌 Best for: Flock owners looking for an effective, broad-spectrum wormer.
2. Durvet Ivermectin Pour-On Dewormer
Best for: External & internal parasites
Ivermectin is commonly used for treating mites, lice, and worms. This pour-on version is applied directly to the skin at the back of the neck.
✅ Pros:
- Treats internal & external parasites
- Easy to apply (no mixing required)
- Long-lasting protection
❌ Cons:
- Not effective for all worm types
- Requires an egg withdrawal period
📌 Best for: Chicken keepers dealing with both worms & mites/lice.
3. Verm-X Liquid Herbal Wormer
Best for: Natural, chemical-free deworming
Verm-X is an herbal dewormer that supports intestinal health without synthetic chemicals. It can be used regularly as a preventative treatment.
✅ Pros:
- 100% natural & chemical-free
- No egg withdrawal period
- Can be used as a monthly preventative
❌ Cons:
- Less effective for severe infestations
- More expensive than chemical wormers
📌 Best for: Chicken owners preferring a natural, preventative approach.
4. Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Best for: Mixing into feed to prevent worms
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, non-toxic powder made from crushed fossils. When ingested, it damages worm eggs and larvae, preventing infestations.
✅ Pros:
- Chemical-free & safe for daily use
- No egg withdrawal period
- Also controls external parasites
❌ Cons:
- Not a treatment for active infestations
- Can be dusty if not mixed properly
📌 Best for: Preventing worms naturally by adding to daily feed.
5. Wazine 17 (Piperazine) Dewormer
Best for: Quick & effective roundworm treatment
Wazine 17 is a fast-acting dewormer for large roundworms. It’s mixed into drinking water and works in 24-48 hours.
✅ Pros:
- Kills large roundworms quickly
- Simple to use (add to water)
- Affordable & widely available
❌ Cons:
- Only treats roundworms (not broad-spectrum)
- Requires an egg withdrawal period
📌 Best for: Flocks with a confirmed roundworm issue needing fast treatment.
How to Deworm Your Chickens
1️⃣ Identify Symptoms or Test Droppings – If chickens lose weight, act lethargic, or have diarrhea, they may need deworming. Fecal tests from a vet confirm worm types.
2️⃣ Choose the Right Wormer – Use broad-spectrum wormers (like Safe-Guard) for multiple parasites. If only roundworms are an issue, use Wazine.
3️⃣ Follow Dosage Instructions – Some wormers are mixed into drinking water, while others are applied topically or given directly by mouth.
4️⃣ Repeat Treatment if Needed – Some wormers require multiple doses over several days to ensure all worms are killed.
5️⃣ Clean the Coop – Worm eggs are shed in droppings, so remove bedding, scrub surfaces, and rotate grazing areas to prevent reinfestation.
6️⃣ Use Preventative Measures – Adding diatomaceous earth or herbal supplements (like Verm-X) to feed reduces future worm problems.
How Often Should You Worm Chickens?
🐓 Backyard Flocks: 2-4 times per year, especially in spring and fall when parasite levels rise.
🐓 Free-Range Chickens: More often, since they forage in dirt where worms thrive.
🐓 Flocks with History of Worms: Every 3 months, or as needed based on symptoms.
🐓 Preventative Measures: Use Diatomaceous Earth or Verm-X regularly to reduce worm loads naturally.
Final Thoughts
Deworming is essential for keeping your flock healthy and productive. Choosing the right wormer depends on whether you want a fast-acting, broad-spectrum treatment or a natural preventative option.
🏆 Best Overall Wormer: Safe-Guard Fenbendazole – Treats multiple worm types and is highly effective.
🏆 Best for External & Internal Parasites: Ivermectin Pour-On – Kills mites, lice, and some worms.
🏆 Best Natural Option: Verm-X Liquid Herbal Wormer – Prevents worms without chemicals.
🏆 Best for Quick Roundworm Treatment: Wazine 17 – Works in just 24-48 hours.
🏆 Best for Daily Prevention: Diatomaceous Earth – Safe for everyday use in feed.
Before purchasing, check Amazon or local farm stores for availability and pricing.