Having backyard Chickens is a joy, but it’s not all eggs and sunshine. Chickens, ducks and other backyard poultry attract lots of flies!
If you have chickens, you have flies.
Flies love manure and your chicken coop never has a short supply of that!
But are Flies good for your chickens? keep reading to find out!
If you own backyard chickens you have definitely seen it at least once. You’re walking toward your coop in summer and as soon as you get close enough the ground suddenly starts flying and buzzing, and that’s when you realize you have a fly problem..
Flies can be a nuisance to us but they can also be a danger to your chickens, so it’s important to know how to keep them away.
Why You Don’t Want Flies
Chickens will eat pretty much anything they can get down their throat, and of course that includes flies and fly larvae. Eating houseflies, however, can cause your chickens to get tapeworms known as Choanotaenia infundibulum. This type of tapeworm can effectively starve your chickens of the nutrients they need in true parasitic fashion. Eating the larvae of the green bottlefly can cause botulism in chickens, so in general it’s better to be on the side of caution and keep the flies away.
How to Keep Flies Away
Considering the fact that flies like dirty, wet things and chickens are professionals at creating dirty, wet things, keeping flies away can feel like an uphill battle. Changing litter regularly, keeping the coop area clean, and providing proper ventilation are the most important steps. This will also help contribute to your flock’s overall health and hygiene.
Natural Solutions
Some natural solutions for flies include mixing DE powder (smite powder) in with fresh bedding and litter. Flies that come in contact with diatomaceous earth will eventually die of dehydration, so they typically try to avoid areas that have it.
Having a garden is not always possible with free-range chickens, but certain plants are able to efficiently repel flies. These plants (which are also beneficial for chickens) include lavender, rosemary, and mint. Always do your research before planting any fly-repelling herbs around your chickens to make sure they are safe.
Fly Traps -(Red top fly trap)
Red Top fly trap - The original fly trap and still THE BEST!
• Extremely effective – one regular trap can catch up to 20,000 flies in just 3 days
• Economical – low cost and requires no electricity
• Environmentally friendly, food safe and disposable
• Very easy to use
• Flies cannot build up resistance to the trap
• It’s particularly attractive to female flies – stopping the reproductive cycle
• Doesn’t attract bees or other insects
• Can be used to attract flies from inside the house, business, farm or other any other area with flies
• Catches fruit flies and pesticide resistant flies 10 times faster than alternative products
https://youtu.be/8xEUdijEJXI?si=Xjxqd14L-Jgmus0k
