How to control flies in the chicken coop
How to Control Flies in the Chicken Coop
Flies are a prevalent pest in chicken coops, particularly during the warmer months. Besides being unpleasant and bothersome, flies and their larvae can pose health risks to your chickens. It's essential for poultry owners to minimise fly presence in the coop.
Top 4 Reasons You Don't Want Flies in the Coop
- Flies are carriers of disease, potentially introducing Salmonella and Campylobacter into your coop, affecting both chickens and humans.
- Known for carrying Clostridium botulinum, the bacteria responsible for botulism, flies can contaminate chicken feed. Consuming the larvae can lead to severe health issues, including paralysis or death in chickens.
- Flystrike, where flies lay eggs on chickens, can be devastating. Timely intervention by cleaning and isolating affected chickens is crucial to prevent serious health problems.
- Without control, flies can proliferate from the coop to your home and surrounding areas, creating a broader infestation.
What Attracts Flies to the Chicken Coop?
Flies are drawn to chicken coops by the abundance of food and ideal breeding conditions, particularly in warm and damp environments. Key attractants include chicken droppings, food scraps, and damp areas.
- Chicken droppings
- Food scraps
- Wet feed
- Muddy puddles
- Damp areas around the coop
Effective management and maintenance can significantly reduce fly populations in and around your coop.
How to Prevent Flies in and Around the Chicken Coop and Run
Removing sources of attraction is crucial for controlling flies in the coop.
- Clean the Coop: Regular cleaning with Apple Cider Vinegar, a natural antimicrobial cleaner, helps keep the coop fresh and less inviting to flies.
- Manage Droppings: Prevent droppings from accumulating by using dropping trays and changing bedding regularly. Consider a compost bin with a lid for composting droppings, away from the coop.
- Control Food Waste: Only provide enough food that your chickens can consume in 20 minutes to avoid leftovers that attract flies.
- Opt for Dry and Clean Environment: Keep the coop dry and well-ventilated to discourage flies. Install a Dine A Chook Drinker to prevent water spillage.
Natural Ways to Control Flies in the Chicken Coop
Emphasise natural and chemical-free methods in your fly control strategies:
- Use Envirosafe Fly Traps, a non-toxic solution from Dine-A-Chook.
- Regularly clean with Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Plant aromatic herbs like lavender and mint around the coop, or use mint and eucalyptus oil sprays.
If this article has been helpful, consider sharing it with fellow poultry enthusiasts and explore more related articles on the Dine-A-Chook blog.
Happy Chicken Keeping,
Rachael at Dine A Chook Australia