Rhabditis axei, the free living nematode, was detected in the faeces of a chicken maintained in a clean cage in the parasitology laboratory, Zagazig University, Egypt. The source of these worms and the method of their transmission to the laboratory was discussed. The experimental inoculation of 3 chickens with R. axei demonstrated that their survival after passing through the intestine was not possible. Free living nematodes could be confused easily with Strongyloides sp. during routine faecal examination.