🪰 Flies in the Chicken Coop: Are They Bad & How Do You Keep Them Away?

Backyard chickens are the best—fresh eggs, quirky personalities, endless entertainment. But here’s the not-so-glamorous truth: if you have chickens, you’re going to have flies.

Why? Because flies love manure, and well… your coop has an all-you-can-eat buffet of it!

But are flies just a nuisance, or do they actually harm your flock? And more importantly, how do you keep them away? Let’s dive in.

🐓 Are Flies Bad for Chickens?

Short answer: yes, they can be.

Chickens aren’t picky eaters—they’ll peck at almost anything, including flies and their larvae. Sounds harmless, right? Not quite:

• Tapeworms: Chickens can pick up tapeworms (Choanotaenia infundibulum) from munching on houseflies. These parasites steal nutrients from your hens, leaving them weak and underweight.

• Botulism: Eating larvae from the green bottle fly can trigger botulism—a serious, sometimes fatal condition.

So while the occasional fly snack won’t usually hurt, a fly infestation definitely isn’t something you want hanging around your coop.

🧹 First Things First: Coop Cleanliness

Flies thrive in dirty, damp conditions—aka a chicken’s favorite mess-making zone. Stay ahead of them by:

• Changing litter regularly

• Cleaning up manure and wet spots

• Making sure the coop is well-ventilated

These basics not only keep flies down but also keep your flock healthier overall.

🌿 Natural Fly-Fighting Tricks

Want to tackle flies without harsh chemicals? Try these natural solutions:

• Diatomaceous Earth (DE / Smite Powder): Mix it into bedding and litter. Flies hate it because it dehydrates them, so they tend to steer clear.

• Herbal Helpers: Plant fly-repelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint around the coop (bonus—they smell amazing!). Just make sure whatever you plant is chicken-safe.

🪰 Fly Traps That Actually Work

Sometimes natural solutions need a little backup—and that’s where fly traps come in.

⭐ Red Top Fly Trap – a classic for a reason. Here’s why chicken keepers love it:

• Catches up to 20,000 flies in just 3 days (yes, you read that right!)

• No electricity needed, low cost, and disposable

• Attracts female flies—breaking the reproductive cycle

• Doesn’t lure in bees or other helpful insects

• Works on even pesticide-resistant flies

Hang one near your coop, and you’ll be amazed how quickly it makes a difference.

✨ Final Peck of Wisdom

Flies might feel inevitable when you keep chickens, but with good coop hygiene, some natural deterrents, and a trusty fly trap or two, you can keep them under control. Your hens will thank you—with fewer pests buzzing around and more happy clucks in the coop!

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