Can Chickens Use Herbal Wormers? What Research and Experience Say
We hear this question often: “Can I use Molly’s Herbals wormers with my chickens?” 🐓
The short answer: Yes. Many backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, and small farmers use our formulas as part of their poultry health program. In fact, interest has grown so much that we wanted to share both community wisdom and scientific research supporting the use of herbs in chickens.
If you’re in the backyard chicken world, you probably already know Dalia Monterroso — The President of Chickenlandia.
Dalia is a trusted voice in the poultry community, teaching everyday chicken keepers how to care for their flocks naturally and with confidence. Like Dalia, we believe chickens thrive best when cared for with a balance of natural methods, good management, and lots of love.
The Research on Wormwood and Chickens
A 2025 study published in the Italian Journal of Animal Science investigated the use of Artemisia annua (wormwood) in poultry. Researchers found:
- Wormwood supplementation reduced the incidence of coccidiosis, a common parasitic disease in chickens.
- Birds receiving wormwood showed better overall gut health and antioxidant activity.
- Growth performance and immune resilience were positively affected compared to controls.
In simpler terms: wormwood helps chickens stay healthier by supporting the immune system and creating an environment less favorable to parasites.
These findings build on earlier studies (Guo et al., 2020; Panaite et al., 2019; Baghban-Kanani et al., 2019) that reached similar conclusions: wormwood can be a valuable addition to poultry health programs.
How Molly’s Herbals Fit In
At Molly’s Herbals, we offer a two-part herbal worming system designed for all animals, including chickens:
- Formula #1 (Wormwood & Black Walnut) – provides stronger periodic herbal support.
- Formula #2 (Weekly Maintenance) – gentle, wormwood-free formula for regular care.
Together, these formulas provide balance: stronger herbs when needed, and ongoing gentle support in between. Our system is best used year round and many start out buying our Complete Worm Kit with in-depth printed instructions and record charts.
FAQ: Herbal Worming for Chickens
Q: Is Molly’s Herbals safe for laying hens?
A: Yes. Our formulas can be used with laying hens. Since they are herbal, there is no egg withdrawal period like there often is with chemical wormers.
Q: Can I give the formulas to baby chicks?
A: We recommend waiting until chicks are a few weeks old before introducing herbal wormers. Always focus first on clean brooder conditions and good nutrition.
Q: How do I dose chickens correctly?
A: Use our Dosing Chart PDF for exact amounts. Many keepers mix the correct dose into a soft treat so every bird consumes it.
Q: Can herbal wormers replace chemical wormers completely?
A: Herbal wormers help reduce reliance on chemicals, but in cases of very high parasite loads, chemical wormers may still be needed. Fecal testing is the best way to decide.
Q: Can I use the wormers during molting?
A: Yes. Herbs can actually support chickens during stressful times like molting by promoting overall resilience.
Final Thoughts
Chickens are a growing part of the Molly’s Herbals community, and it’s easy to see why. Herbs like wormwood have a long tradition of use and are now backed by modern science. Combined with good flock management, herbal worming can be a safe, natural way to keep your birds in top health.
🐔 Want to dive deeper into natural chicken care? Check out Chickenlandia on YouTube and the BawkTalk Podcast for inspiration.
👉 Ready to try it yourself? Shop our Herbal Worming Formulas and download the free instructions + chart to get started.