Gapeworms are small worms 12 to 20 mm long. Both male and female adults are bright red and are usually found close together. Symptoms Birds carrying any of the worms which mature in the gut show similar symptoms. Chickens grow more slowly and may even lose weight. The chickens have little appetite, look miserable, their feathers are ruffled and they may have diarrhoea.
Hens produce fewer eggs and are unthrifty looking.
The eyeworm causes irritation and conjunctivitis. The bird can blind itself by scratching the affected eye. The presence of worm parasites and the problems they cause are recognised by knowing how the flock is housed and managed, the symptoms shown and identifying the worms found in various parts of the bird's body. Hairworms can be detected by collecting gut contents on fine mesh and flushing the mucus away with water. The residue from the mesh is washed into a glass jar and the worms can be seen in the water.