Veterinarian Tips on Managing Worms in Chickens, turkeys and quail

send us an email and be sure to include your address so we can respond!

In this episode of Poultry Nerds, we sit down with Dr. M — our resident poultry vet — to get real about worms in backyard flocks.  From the most common culprits (roundworms, tapeworms, cecal worms) to why a fecal float test matters, Dr. M breaks down:

• ✅ What types of worms chickens typically get — and how common each is. 
  
  
• 🔬 How a fecal flotation test works: mixing droppings with solution so worm eggs rise — then viewing under a microscope to spot the parasites. 
  
  
• 🎯 Why even free-range birds can have worms — and how worm eggs can linger in soil for years, reinfecting flocks. 
  
  
• 🧹 Best practices for prevention: quarantine new birds, rotate pasture, clean or turn over soil — plus when to consider deworming. 
  
  
• ⚠️ The risks of heavy worm loads — from reduced egg production to intestinal blockages, poor growth, or even death. 
  
  

If you raise chickens — whether a small flock or a full backyard setup — this is essential listening. 🐣

➡️ Timestamps

• 0:00 — Intro & quick background on Dr. M
• 2:15 — Cold weather & worms — do they survive?
• 5:30 — What a fecal float test is & how to get one done
• 10:00 — Common worms: roundworms, tapeworms, cecal worms
• 16:45 — How worms spread & contaminate soil
• 22:00 — Treatment, dewormers, and why you must check withdrawal times
• 26:30 — Prevention: spacing, rotation, biosecurity
• 30:00 — Q&A: eggs, worms, wild birds, and natural remedies

Don’t forget: check the show notes for a link to the approved-meds site (FARAD.org) when using dewormers — especially for birds you plan to eat or collect eggs from.

Support the show

Feel Free to email us at - [email protected]

Join us on Facebook at - https://www.facebook.com/PoultryNerds

Sign up for News at PoultryNerds.com

EggFoam.com get your egg shippers and live shipping boxes and always get free shipping!

ShowPro feed supplement for all your feathered friends! Grow them bigger and healthier with the best ingredients.

Coturnix Quail hatching eggs from Bryant's Roost, including jumbo celadons!

Quail cartons and Supplies from Double R Farms

Please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review, we appreciate you.  And if you have a subject request, email us. [email protected]