The 5 Best Pigeon Wormers

Worms are fairly common in pigeons and can cause health problems, so if you keep a pet pigeon, have a wormer on hand as well as taking the bird for regular vet checks.

Please note: this article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from an avian vet or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you have found an injured or sick bird, contact a vet or your local rescue (see our list of pigeon-friendly rescue centres).

Our 5 Top Pigeon Wormers Are:

Harkers 3-in-1 Soluble
Worm Out Gel
Moxidectin Concentrate
Easimec Ivermectin
Easifen Liquid Wormer

Which Birds Get Worms?

The short answer for this is – all of them can get worms. Some species are more prone to them than others, and a bird’s living environment can help reduce the risk.

For example, a concrete floor in your pigeon’s enclosure may cut the spread of worms. However, since worms live in a bird’s gut, any bird can get worms.

How do Pigeons Get Worms?

It’s actually pretty easy for a pigeon to get worms.

They are spread through feces so if your pigeon comes into contact with droppings that are infested with worms, chances are it will get them too.

Depending on the type of worm, it can take a few weeks after infection before a pigeon starts passing worm eggs in its droppings, and an untreated infection can last a long time.

Most of the time, a pigeon gets worms by foraging for food in an area that is infected. Pigeons can also get worms from some nesting materials, living with a new cage mate or from contact with wild birds.

Problems with Worms

While worms in pigeons are fairly common, it’s still something you should be concerned about. The adult worms live in your pigeon’s digestive tract and feed on what passes through it.

They take up the vitamins and minerals in your bird’s gut, leaving behind little in the way of nutrition for your pigeon.

This can lead to malnourishment and illness for your pet. Worms in large numbers can also lead to tissue damage inside your pigeon’s intestines.

A very heavy roundworm burden can even block the intestines, though this isn’t common.

Symptoms of Worms

So, how do you know that your pigeon has worms? In some cases, pigeons can carry worms without any symptoms. In other cases, heavy infestations can cause serious illness or even death.

The most common symptoms of worms in pigeons include stress, weight loss, ruffled feathers, fatigue, and poor feather condition.

You’ll probably also notice that your pigeon isn’t as active as usual and egg production may also suffer. It’s never a good idea to wait to treat worms so take action right away if you see any of these signs of worms in your pet bird.

Getting Rid of Worms

Now that you know how and why your pigeon might have worms, you need to know how to get rid of them. The best way to do this is to establish a consistent worming schedule.

Many keepers worm their birds several times a year, and it is common to worm before the breeding season and after the young leave the nest. Having your vet check droppings samples can show whether worming is actually needed.

This ensures that baby pigeons don’t end up with worms and keeps your pet pigeon healthy all year round.

Choosing a Worming Product

It’s important to choose the right worming product for your pet pigeon so you get the best results possible.

Piperazine was once the best ingredient to look for, but some worms have developed a resistance to it so it’s not as effective as it once was.

Levamisole is highly effective but use caution as it can be deadly in large doses.
Ivermectin is effective, but it breaks down quickly in water, so it is usually given as drops on the skin or directly by mouth rather than in drinking water.
Praziquantel and oxfendazole are good ingredients to look for, as they are generally considered safe.

There are several other ingredients that have proven to be effective against worms as well. They include fenbendazole and moxidectin. Some combination products also contain drugs such as amprolium, diclazuril or ronidazole, which treat coccidiosis or canker rather than worms.

How to Administer Worming Products

There are a couple of ways you can administer worming treatments to your pet pigeon. One common way is to put the medication in water.

To make this method successful, you will need to remove all other water sources from the pigeon’s coop to encourage it to drink the medicated water.

Some treatments make the water taste bitter. Check with your vet before adding anything to mask the taste, as some additives can affect how well the medicine works.

Other methods include tablets that you gently press down your bird’s throat and drops that are applied topically. Talk to your pigeon’s veterinarian about the best method for your pet.

The Best Pigeon Wormers

Now that you know how important it is to worm your pigeon on a regular basis, you’re probably ready to choose the right product for your needs.

While there are plenty of options available to you, listed below are our five favorites.

Again, it’s important to work with your vet to choose the right worming treatment for your pet pigeon.

We don’t link to specific products for medical treatments. Ask an avian vet or a specialist avian supplier which wormer and dose suit your birds, and always follow the label directions. The doses below are examples from product labels at the time of writing; formulations change, so always use the dose on your own product’s label.

1. Harkers 3-in-1 Soluble

The active ingredients in this treatment include amprolium, levamisole and ronidazole. It’s easy to use and is diluted in your pigeon’s water. You’ll add one capful (6 ml) of the solution to one liter of water. Offer this solution to your pigeons every day for one full week.

Make a fresh mixture each day, disposing of the old one at the same time. This product is great if you have more than one pigeon and need to treat them all at the same time. Don’t use this product in pigeons under two months of age, during the molting season, or during hatching.

2. Worm Out Gel

This water-soluble worming treatment is ideal for treating several kinds of worm infestations and can be offered in drinking water or by mixing it with your pigeon’s food.

In water, combine 2 ml with 160 ml of water and offer for two full days.

To administer in food, provide 0.05 ml for each 100 g of body weight and be sure all food is consumed within 24 hours.

You can also offer this product via a crop syringe, if necessary. The active ingredients in this product are praziquantel and oxfendazole.

3. Moxidectin Concentrate

You’ll love how easy this treatment is to offer your pigeon. Simply dilute 50 ml per UK gallon (about 4.5 litres) of water, but always follow the label, and replace your pigeon’s drinking water for 24 hours.

To get the best results, you will need to repeat the treatment three to four weeks later. True to its name, the active ingredient in this product is moxidectin, an effective worming product for pigeons. This one is also more affordable than others on the market if you are shopping for pigeon care products on a budget.

4. Easimec Ivermectin

As the name suggests, the active ingredient in this product is ivermectin, one of the most effective worming ingredients for pigeons. This product works for worms, as well as other pests and is applied topically to your bird’s neck if it’s suffering from roundworms, once a week for three weeks.

The number of drops depends on body weight, so follow the label for your birds. This product is especially targeted to racing pigeons.

5. Easifen Liquid Wormer

This product is ideal for several kinds of worms, including tapeworms and roundworms. To use, combine the entire 100 ml bottle with 5 liters of water and offer to your pigeon according to your vet’s directions. You can also mix the product with corn.

If you choose to do this, use 10 ml for every 30 birds. You can also add it to soft food for caged pigeons. The active ingredient in this product is oxfendazole and should not be used in pigeons under eight weeks of age.