(d) When birds eat the incubated eggs, the worms hatch out in their intestines.
(e) The tiny larvae then “sew” themselves into the lining of the intestines and begin to grow.
(f) After a few days, the larvae crawl back into the intestinal canal where they mature in 30 to 40 days.
(2) Diagnosis. Ascarids injure birds in several ways.
(a) When the newly hatched worm “sews” itself into the intestinal lining the area around the puncture becomes inflamed because of mechanical injury, loss of blood, and introduced infection. This localized inflammation renders that part of the intestinal lining useless for digesting and absorbing food.
(b) The worm absorbs food from the intestinal contents which should go to the birds.
(c) In order to protect themselves and avoid being digested, the worms give off a substance that neutralizes digestive juices. This substance becomes mixed with intestinal contents and prevents proper digestion.
(d) Worms sometimes become so numerous that they actually clog the intestines. As many as 500 worms have been found in a single bird.
(e) Worm-infested birds show loss of condition and general unhealthiness. Diagnosis is made by finding worms or worm eggs in droppings or by autopsy on typical specimens.