Worming Your Bird: When to Treat, How to Do It and What to Watch For

Intestinal worms can affect a bird's weight, condition and general health, but the risk is not the same for every bird.

Birds kept in outdoor aviaries, particularly those with access to the ground, generally have a greater risk than a single bird living indoors. New birds, wild bird droppings and contaminated equipment can also introduce parasites.

This guide explains the signs to watch for, how often worming may be needed and how to make treatment more effective.

Jump to: Signs of Worms | How Often to Worm | How to Treat | Reducing the Risk

How Do Birds Get Worms?

Many intestinal worms spread through contaminated droppings. Worm eggs can be picked up from the ground, feeding areas, water bowls, aviary equipment or other birds.

Birds may be exposed through:

• Soil, sand or gravel aviary floors
• Wild bird droppings
• New birds entering the collection
• Contaminated branches and natural materials
• Shoes, bowls and cleaning equipment moved between aviaries

Outdoor aviary birds, breeding collections and birds regularly exposed to new arrivals generally have a higher risk. Indoor birds with no contact with other birds or contaminated outdoor environments are usually lower risk.

Signs Your Bird Might Have Worms

Possible signs include:

• Weight loss or a prominent keel bone
• Poor body condition despite eating
• Changes in droppings
• Reduced activity or lethargy
• Sitting fluffed up
• Poor feather condition
• Young birds not gaining weight
• Worms or worm segments in the droppings

These signs do not always mean worms. Several illnesses can cause similar changes, so an unwell bird should be examined by an avian vet.

A faecal test can help identify whether parasites are present and which treatment may be appropriate.

How Often Should You Worm Your Bird?

There is no single schedule that suits every bird.

Outdoor aviary birds may need a regular parasite control program because they have more opportunity to come into contact with contaminated droppings, ground and wild birds.

Some products specify a regular treatment schedule. For example, the current directions for Vetafarm Wormout Gel recommend repeating treatment every three months. Always follow the current product label or the program recommended by your avian vet.

A single indoor bird may not require treatment on the same schedule. An avian vet may instead recommend regular faecal testing and treatment only when parasites are detected.

New birds should be quarantined and assessed before being introduced to an established bird or aviary. Parasite screening can be included as part of this process.

How to Worm Your Bird

Vetafarm Wormout Gel is one option for treating Thread Worm, Tapeworm, Roundworm, Caecal Worm and Hook Worm in caged and aviary birds.

The amount used, treatment period and administration method matter. Always check and follow the current label rather than estimating the dose.

When treating through drinking water:

• Prepare the mixture exactly as directed.
• Provide the medicated water as the only drinking source.
• Make sure every bird can reach the drinker.
• Watch for timid birds being pushed away.
• Use clean bowls or drinkers.
• Prepare fresh treatment as directed.
• Choose mild, dry weather where possible.

Rainwater on aviary wire or foliage may give birds another water source. Water rich foods may also reduce how much medicated water a bird drinks, so follow the product directions and ask your avian vet if you are unsure.

Direct dosing may be recommended for an individual bird, but it must be measured and administered correctly. Do not calculate a direct dose from the drinking water directions. Follow the labelled method or instructions supplied by your avian vet.

Reducing the Risk of Worms

Treatment alone will not remove worm eggs from the bird's surroundings. Cleaning and good aviary management help reduce the chance of reinfection.

• Remove droppings and contaminated litter regularly.
• Keep food and water away from areas where birds defecate.
• Clean bowls, equipment and aviary surfaces.
• Keep flooring as dry as practical.
• Reduce contamination from wild bird droppings.
• Quarantine new birds before introducing them.
• Clean equipment before moving it between aviaries.
• Check natural branches before placing them in the enclosure.

If worms are detected in a shared aviary, ask your avian vet whether the other exposed birds should also be tested or treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do indoor birds need regular worming?

Not necessarily. A single indoor bird with little exposure to other birds or contaminated outdoor materials may have a lower risk. Faecal testing can help determine whether treatment is required.

How do I know if my bird has worms?

You usually cannot tell just by looking. Weight loss, poor condition and changes in droppings may occur, but these signs can also be caused by other illnesses. An avian vet can examine a faecal sample for evidence of parasites.

Should I worm a new bird?

Quarantine the new bird first. Your avian vet may recommend a faecal test or treatment before the bird joins the rest of your collection.

What should I do if I see worms in the droppings?

Contact an avian vet, especially if the bird is losing weight, lethargic or otherwise unwell. Identifying the parasite helps determine the appropriate treatment.