Preventing Worms in Chickens Naturally

Did you know that using natural methods to prevent or treat worms in your chickens can be more effective than non-natural methods? This is because worms can develop resistance to some types of chemical based worming treatments. Another benefit of treating for internal parasites naturally is that your chicken eggs are still safe to eat during the deworming process.

This helpful article posted by Amba Delight Farm to the Self Reliance Family Food NZ Facebook page lists the signs of worms in chickens and explains how you can use Papaya (Paw Paw) seeds to keep your chickens healthy.

Preventing Worms in Chickens Naturally

Internal parasites in chickens can cause disease, poor health and death. The following are the signs of a chicken with worms;

Loss of weight

Loss of appetite

Slow growth rate

Bloody diarrhoea

Pale and dry combs

Chickens become dull 

Chickens stop laying eggs

Treatment

Worms in chickens can be treated with chemical drugs or with natural herbs. I don’t advise on chemical drugs because continuous use of some of them can make the worms develop resistance, thus continuing to survive in the chicken. Another disadvantage of using some of them is that you are not allowed to consume the eggs produced during deworming. So, it’s good to use herbal medicine because the worms don’t develop any resistance and you can continue consuming the eggs even during deworming time.

 Use of Papaya Seeds (Paw Paw Seeds)

This was my area of focus today. You can use Aloe Vera, cucumbers, garlic, and pumpkin seeds, though Papaya Seeds are very effective. 

Benefits of Papaya Seeds

Keeps off coccidiomycosis, bacterial and parasitic infections

Prevents inflammation

Removes all worms within 2 – 3 days.

How To Prepare:

Cut the fruit into two halves and scoop the seeds.

Wash to remove the yellow flesh and remain with seeds alone.

Sun dry the seeds to total dryness.

Grind/crush into powder.

How To Use:

You can either add to their drinking water or feeds.

1 tablespoon per 2 litres

OR

1 tablespoon per 2kg feed

Use for three consecutive days and only once per month.

You can also allow them to feed directly on Paw Paw and the fresh seeds.

Note:

To prevent worms, keep the bedding dry and change regularly.

Feed in feeding containers or feeders, instead of pouring on the floor.