7 Deworming Layers For Egg Production That Old Farmers Swear By

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Understanding Natural Parasite Management in Hens

The goal of natural parasite control isn’t to create a sterile, worm-free bird. That’s an impossible and unnatural standard. Instead, the focus is on managing the parasite load to a level a healthy hen’s immune system can easily handle. A few internal parasites are a normal part of life for any animal that forages outdoors.

Problems arise when that load gets out of control, overwhelming the bird’s system. This is where natural methods shine. They aren’t harsh chemical bombs that wipe out everything; they are subtle, consistent strategies that make the hen’s gut an inhospitable place for worms to thrive. It’s about building a strong defense, not just launching an occasional attack.

Think of it like tending a garden. You don’t just spray for pests once and walk away. You build healthy soil, encourage beneficial insects, and pull weeds consistently. Managing your flock’s health works the same way—it’s a continuous process of creating an environment where health thrives and parasites don’t.

Diatomaceous Earth: A Physical Deworming Agent

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Its microscopic edges are sharp, acting as a physical deworming agent rather than a chemical one. The theory is that these sharp particles shred the soft bodies of internal parasites as they pass through the digestive tract.

When using DE, it is absolutely critical to use food-grade DE, not the kind used for pool filters, which is chemically treated and dangerous if ingested. The standard practice is to mix a small amount into your flock’s feed, typically around 2% of the feed’s total weight. This ensures they consume it without creating a lot of dust, which can be harmful to their sensitive respiratory systems if inhaled.

However, it’s important to approach DE with a realistic perspective. While many farmers swear by it, its effectiveness diminishes significantly once wet. Some question how much abrasive power it truly retains inside a moist digestive tract. Still, it’s an inexpensive and easy addition to a broader parasite management plan, and it’s fantastic for controlling external mites in their dust bath.

Raw Pumpkin Seeds to Paralyze Internal Worms

Raw pumpkin seeds are a classic tool in the natural deworming toolkit. They contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which doesn’t kill worms outright but paralyzes them. This loss of motor function prevents the worms from holding onto the intestinal walls, allowing the hen to naturally flush them out of her system.

The key is to use raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds, as roasting can degrade the effective compounds. You can either grind them into a coarse meal and mix it into their feed or offer them whole as a treat. The flock will typically love them, making it an easy and enjoyable way to provide preventative care. This is a gentle method that can be used regularly without stressing the bird’s system.

Adding Crushed Garlic to Drinking Water Weekly

Garlic is a powerful, natural antiparasitic and antibacterial agent. Its active compound, allicin, is released when a clove is crushed or chopped. Adding fresh, crushed garlic to your flock’s drinking water once or twice a week helps create a gut environment that is hostile to worms and other pathogens.

A little goes a long way. One or two crushed cloves in a standard three-gallon waterer is plenty. The water should have a faint garlic scent, not be overwhelmingly pungent. And don’t worry about your eggs tasting like garlic; at this low, consistent dosage, it’s not an issue. This practice is less of a "cure" and more of a constant, low-level deterrent that supports the hen’s overall gut health and immunity.

Apple Cider Vinegar for an Unfriendly Gut Flora

Raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another staple for promoting a healthy gut. The key is using ACV that contains "the mother," the cloudy collection of beneficial bacteria, acids, and enzymes. Adding a small amount to the flock’s water slightly acidifies their digestive tract.

This subtle change in pH makes it harder for many types of parasites and harmful bacteria to establish themselves, while supporting the good bacteria that are essential for digestion and immunity. A good rule of thumb is about one tablespoon of raw ACV per gallon of water.

Be careful not to overdo it. Too much acidity can be counterproductive and may even interfere with calcium absorption, which is critical for strong eggshells. Also, avoid using ACV in metal waterers, as the acid can corrode the galvanized coating over time, leaching zinc into the water. Stick to plastic or enamel containers when adding it to their water.

Oregano and Thyme as Powerful Herbal Additives

Herbs aren’t just for the kitchen; they are potent tools for flock health. Oregano and thyme, in particular, are packed with natural antiparasitic and antibacterial compounds. Oregano contains carvacrol and thyme contains thymol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens and disrupt parasites.

Integrating these herbs is simple. You can chop fresh leaves and mix them directly into their feed, or add dried herbs to your feed mix. Many keepers grow these herbs right next to the coop, allowing the chickens to self-medicate by nibbling on them as they please. This is an excellent way to boost their diet and defenses simultaneously.

Fermented Feed for Strong Probiotic Defenses

Fermenting your flock’s feed is one of the most powerful proactive strategies for gut health. The process involves soaking their regular feed in water for two to three days, allowing beneficial microorganisms to proliferate. This fermentation process essentially pre-digests the feed, making nutrients more available to the hens.

More importantly, it floods their digestive system with a massive dose of probiotics. These beneficial bacteria outcompete harmful pathogens and parasites for resources and space within the gut. A gut colonized by a strong, diverse microbiome is a formidable defense against worm infestations. While it requires a bit more daily effort than just scooping dry feed, the benefits to flock health, vigor, and immunity are undeniable.

Pasture Rotation: Breaking the Parasite Cycle

Of all the strategies, this one is the most fundamental and effective. Internal parasites rely on a specific life cycle: a hen poops out worm eggs, those eggs incubate in the soil, and then another hen ingests the hatched larvae while foraging. Pasture rotation breaks this cycle by moving the birds off contaminated ground before the eggs have a chance to hatch and become infective.

Even on a small property, rotation is possible. You can use temporary electric poultry netting to divide a larger area into two, three, or even four smaller paddocks. Let the flock graze one area for a few weeks, then move them to fresh ground. This gives the "rested" paddock time for the sun to kill off parasite eggs and for the forage to regrow.

This method does more than just control worms. It provides your hens with fresh greens and insects, reduces soil compaction, and prevents the ground from being stripped bare. It is the single most important management practice for raising truly healthy, free-ranging birds. If you do nothing else on this list, rotate your pastures.

Ultimately, keeping a healthy flock isn’t about finding a single magic bullet for worms. It’s about layering these simple, natural strategies to create a system of defense. By focusing on strong gut health, a clean environment, and breaking the parasite life cycle, you build a flock that is resilient, productive, and thriving.