Cecal Worms
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[edit] Introduction
The cecal worm is the most common parasitic worm in North American chickens. As its name says, it invades a bird's ceca. Other than carrying blackhead, to which most chickens are immune (but turkeys are not), the cecal worm does not seriously affect a bird's health. Leghorns are a more susceptible to this parasite than heavier breeds such as the Rhode Island Red and the White Wyandotte.
Cecal worms are thin, white, and about half-inch long, making them easy to see.
[edit] Symptoms
Signs of an outbreak include birds that are pale, droopy,they tend to huddle, eat less feed and drink less water, have diarrhea, and may become emaciated and dehydrated. Laying hens will have a reduction in egg production.
[edit] Treatment
Cecal worms are generally treated with levamisole or ivermectin, which is effective against a wide variety of internal and external parasites (but not tapeworm). It is not approved for poultry and can be toxic to chickens in relatively small amounts. A few drops will worm chickens and bantams
