Types of Parasites in Chickens

Parasites in chickens can have serious consequences for their health and productivity, including reduced egg production, impaired growth, poor overall condition and even death. Birds such as chickens, ducks, geese, pheasants and other poultry species can act as hosts and carriers of parasites. Parasites can occur in chickens kept both in cages and in free-range systems.

Chickens can become infected with internal parasites, for example by eating earthworms or snails that carry parasite larvae or eggs. Once swallowed, the parasites develop and reproduce inside the bird's body. Their eggs are then excreted in the droppings, which can lead to infection of other birds. Parasite eggs may also be present in soil, litter, water, nests and feed. Chicks are particularly susceptible to infection, while adult birds generally develop greater resistance.

Types of Parasites Found in Poultry

Internal Parasites in Poultry

Internal parasites live inside the bird's body, attacking and damaging internal organs, particularly the digestive system. They include nematodes, tapeworms and protozoa.

External Parasites in Poultry

External parasites live on the skin, feathers and around the bird's body. They mainly include poultry red mites, lice, ticks, mites and fleas. External poultry parasites may also hide in cracks in walls, skirting boards, window frames, door frames and other crevices inside poultry houses.

Most Common Parasites in Chickens

Chewing lice are external parasites that live exclusively on birds. They do not pose a threat to humans. They are often confused with other types of lice found on mammals.

Chicken lice are small external parasites that can be found among the feathers and close to the skin. They feed on skin debris, feathers and other organic material. Females lay their eggs directly on the host.

Bird lice can cause lice infestation, resulting in skin irritation, inflammation and damage to the plumage.

Feather lice feed on feathers and skin debris and can digest keratin, one of the main structural components of feathers. Feather lice complete their entire life cycle on the host. They are highly mobile external parasites and can cause skin irritation, constant scratching and scabs. Other signs of feather lice infestation in chickens include damaged plumage, weight loss and reduced egg production.

The presence of poultry red mites can lead to reduced productivity and decreased activity in affected birds.

First Signs of Lice Infestation in Chickens

• restlessness, pecking and scratching caused by skin irritation,
• reduced appetite and weight loss,
• flaky skin and feather loss,
• disturbed sleep.

Controlling feather lice involves treating the birds and poultry house equipment, including feeders, drinkers and nest boxes, with appropriate products such as Lubisan Piórojady or One Shot Piórojady. When spraying birds, avoid contact with their eyes.

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a common poultry disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria. Coccidiosis can cause mortality, impaired growth, reduced egg production and serious digestive disorders. Eimeria oocysts are excreted in the droppings of infected domestic and wild birds. These oocysts can survive difficult environmental conditions for extended periods.

After being ingested, the parasite develops in the digestive tract and invades intestinal cells, where it reproduces. New oocysts are subsequently excreted in the droppings. Infection can damage the intestinal lining and cause digestive disorders, diarrhoea and disturbances in the bird's water and electrolyte balance. Severe intestinal damage may also result in bleeding.

Symptoms of coccidiosis in chickens may include:

• lethargy,
• ruffled feathers,
• diarrhoea,
• reduced appetite,
• poor growth or weight loss,
• blood in the droppings.

Prevention and control of coccidiosis may involve appropriate anticoccidial programmes, hygiene measures and vaccination where applicable. Products used for prevention or treatment should always be selected and administered according to their instructions and, where necessary, veterinary recommendations.

Poultry Parasites – How to Recognise and Treat Them

Symptoms depend on the type of parasite affecting the chickens:

• external parasites – many external parasites can be detected during close examination of the birds. Typical signs include damaged or missing feathers, scratching and pecking at the skin, reduced egg production, loss of appetite, lethargy and weight loss;
• internal parasites – symptoms may include coughing, unusual respiratory sounds, weight loss, diarrhoea, abnormal droppings, blood in the droppings and impaired growth.

Once parasites have been identified in the flock, appropriate measures should be taken:

• affected birds should be separated from the flock where appropriate, while the poultry house and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected,
• a veterinarian should be consulted to determine the type of parasite and select an appropriate treatment programme.

Effective parasite control requires treating both affected birds and their environment.

How to Prevent Parasites in Chickens

Parasites can spread through contact with infected birds, wild birds, rodents and insects. Poor hygiene in the chicken coop and other health problems can increase the risk of infestation. Keeping laying hens and other poultry therefore requires proper hygiene, regular cleaning and disinfection of the poultry house to reduce the risk of parasites and disease.

Hygiene and Disinfection

Feeders, drinkers and nest boxes should be kept clean and hygienic. Drinkers and feeders should be cleaned regularly, particularly during hot summer weather. Regular replacement of litter is also very important, as contaminated bedding can become a reservoir for bacteria, viruses and parasites. Regular disinfection using appropriate products such as Virkon can help maintain good hygiene in poultry housing.

Deworming

Internal parasite control should be based on appropriate monitoring and, where necessary, the use of suitable deworming products. These may be administered in feed or drinking water according to the product instructions and veterinary recommendations.

Natural Methods

In backyard poultry keeping, various natural methods are sometimes used as part of a broader parasite prevention programme.

• Diatomaceous earth may be used in poultry housing and dust-bathing areas according to the product instructions.
• Natural plant-based products containing ingredients such as garlic, eucalyptus or clove are also commonly used by poultry keepers as supplementary measures.