Recognizing, Identifying, and Treating GAPEWORM in your Backyard Chicken Flock

If you’ve ever walked past your coop and heard one of your chickens wheezing, stretching its neck, or gasping for air, it can be unsettling. Especially when you're not sure what's going on. These symptoms are classic signs of a parasitic infection known as gapeworm, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.

On the homestead, we don’t always have the option to run to a vet when something looks off. That’s why being able to recognize and treat common poultry issues yourself is one of the most important skills you can have.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to spot gapeworm, what it looks like inside the trachea, how to treat it effectively, and the best ways to prevent it from spreading.

What Is Gapeworm?

Gapeworm (Syngamus trachea) is a parasitic roundworm that infects the trachea, or windpipe, of birds. It attaches to the lining of the trachea and feeds on blood, causing inflammation, partial blockage, and eventually suffocation if not treated.

Chickens, turkeys, and game birds are all vulnerable to gapeworm. The name comes from the distinctive “gaping” behavior infected birds display when they struggle to breathe.

Signs and Symptoms of Gapeworm in Chickens

Here’s what to watch for if you suspect gapeworm in your flock:

• Repeated gaping or gasping (open-mouthed breathing)

• Neck stretching as if trying to clear the airway

• Coughing or wheezing

• Head shaking or flicking

• Lethargy and weight loss

• Noisy or rattling breathing

Not every chicken that coughs has gapeworm, but when you see multiple symptoms like these together, it’s a good reason to investigate further.

How to Confirm It’s Gapeworm

In the High Altitude Homesteading video, a necropsy was performed on a deceased chicken suspected of having gapeworm. The process was straightforward but revealing:

1. The trachea was removed and carefully opened with a scalpel.

2. Inside, several thin, red worms were clearly visible attached to the inner walls.

3. The worms were identified as gapeworms, which often appear in a Y-shape because the male and female latch together.

This kind of visual confirmation can only be done post-mortem, but it removes all doubt and helps you respond properly for the rest of your flock.

How to Treat Chickens for Gapeworm

Once gapeworm is suspected or confirmed, fast action is key. In the video, fenbendazole was used as the treatment of choice. Here is a general outline of the process:

• Medication: Fenbendazole (sold as Safe-Guard or Panacur)

• Dosage: Usually 20 mg per kg of body weight, administered for 5 consecutive days

• Application: Mixed into water or given directly with a syringe, depending on the severity and your setup

• Follow-up: A second round 10 days later helps eliminate any worms that hatched from leftover eggs

It’s also a good idea to quarantine any birds showing symptoms, clean the coop thoroughly, and sanitize feeders and waterers.

How to Prevent Gapeworm in Your Flock

• Rotate pastures regularly, especially if your birds free-range or share space with wild animals.

• Keep the coop clean and dry. Moisture attracts gapeworm carriers like snails, slugs, and earthworms.

• Use a seasonal deworming schedule to stay ahead of parasites.

• Pay attention to early symptoms and act quickly when you notice anything off.

Final Thoughts

Gapeworm is one of those hidden dangers that can take you by surprise, especially if you’re new to raising chickens. But once you know what to look for and how to treat it, you’ll be ready the next time trouble shows up in your coop.

Life at high altitude already comes with enough challenges. Whether it's wind, short growing seasons, or rough terrain, you’ve got to stay sharp. Managing your flock's health is no different. When you handle problems like this with confidence, you're not just reacting—you’re building resilience into your homestead.

Keep learning, keep watching, and keep taking care of your animals. They rely on you more than you know.

Want more tips on poultry care, homesteading resilience, or what works up here in the high country? Subscribe to the blog or check out our YouTube channel for more practical knowledge from the field.