Why Is My Chook Sick? How to Prevent and Treat Worms, Coccidiosis and Mites in Your Flock

Managing parasites is a normal part of keeping chooks. Worms, coccidia and mites will find their way into most flocks sooner or later. Chooks that free range or forage in the yard scratch and peck through the dirt — and pick up parasites along the way. Wild birds spread parasites through their droppings. Rodents drawn to your coop by the food supply can bring them in too.

Knowing what to look for and acting quickly makes all the difference to your chook’s health — and to your egg supply.

 

Identifying Common Chook Health Problems:

Worms in Chickens: Signs and Treatment

All chooks carry a low level of intestinal worms without ill effect. But when worm burdens become high, things can go downhill fast. Key signs of a worm infestation in your flock include:

• Pale comb — one of the earliest and most reliable warning signs
• Lethargy — a heavily wormed chook may fall asleep standing up in the yard during the day
• Changes in roosting behaviour — refusing to sleep on the perch, choosing a nesting box or the ground instead
  A buff and barred hen taking a break in the yard — healthy, happy chooks are the goal.
• Rapid decline — chooks can deteriorate and die quickly from a heavy worm burden, so act fast

If you notice these signs, get to the vet urgently for a worm treatment. You’ll typically administer wormer directly into the chook’s mouth — search YouTube for helpful videos on the technique. Wrap your chook in a towel to keep her calm. A helper makes the job much easier.

For ongoing prevention, we stock Fluzole oral wormer. It covers a broad range of worm species and mixes straight into your chook’s feed. It has a zero-day egg withholding period, so you won’t need to discard eggs during treatment.

Coccidiosis in Chickens: What It Looks Like and How to Treat It

Coccidiosis is a common and potentially serious chook health problem caused by tiny parasites called coccidia. Symptoms include diarrhoea, lethargy, weight loss, poor appetite and pale combs. Severe cases can be fatal. Treat it urgently as soon as you suspect it.

We carry Abbey Animal Health Coxi-Stat Amprolium for both prevention and treatment. Mix it into your flock’s drinking water — it’s straightforward to use and, like Fluzole, has a zero-day egg withholding period.

Chicken Mites: The Hidden Threat to Your Flock

Australia has a variety of mite species, but all of them feed on your chickens’ blood. Signs of a mite infestation include dried blood and red, irritated skin — especially around the vent and under the wings. Your chooks may also seem restless at night. Severe infestations cause feather loss and anaemia.

Mites hide in the cracks and crevices of your coop during the day and emerge at night to feed. Treating the birds alone isn’t enough — you need to treat the entire coop. Apply a barrier cream to affected birds. Then spray the whole coop — every nook and cranny — with a neem-based spray to break the mite’s life cycle.

Chook Parasite Prevention: Better Than the Cure

A few simple, low-cost strategies go a long way towards keeping worms, coccidiosis and mites at bay.

Keep the coop clean and dry. Wet, soiled litter encourages worm eggs and coccidia to thrive. Regular clean-outs and good drainage make a real difference to flock health.

Use food grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Food grade DE comes from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic organisms. It physically dehydrates parasites on contact — making it one of the most versatile tools for backyard chicken keepers. Mix it into your chook’s feed, sprinkle it through the coop and nesting boxes, or add it to the dust bathing area. Use it consistently and DE works against worms, coccidiosis and mites.

Add apple cider vinegar to their water. Add a small amount to your chook’s water. It supports gut health, boosts immunity and keeps the water bowl cleaner for longer.

Offer garlic as a treat. Garlic is a natural immune booster. Poultry keepers have used it for generations to support overall flock health.

High-Quality Feed and Equipment for a Healthy Flock

A balanced, high-protein diet is the foundation of good chook health. At FarmCo Moora, we stock high-quality chook feeds from T&R and Consolidated Nutrition. For high-protein treats, try Bainbridge Freeze Dried Mealworms and Dried Bug Mix.

We also carry a full range of Bainbridge feeders and drinkers. The popular Grandpa’s self-feeders minimise rodent access to your chook’s food — and reduce the risk of disease entering your flock.

Talk to FarmCo Moora About Your Chook’s Health

Have questions about chook health, parasites or the right products? Drop into FarmCo Moora any time or call us on 1300 327 626. We’re happy to help you keep your flock healthy, happy and laying.

 

More Chook Reading

• Weird Egg Shell Issues
• Why Your Chook Feed Mix Is Important
• Handy Guide to Chicken Rearing
• Feeding Chickens in Winter: What Your Flock Needs to Thrive