by Kim Berg, CoopCrate staff writer
Chickens poop all the time, which means you may be dealing with a constant presence of pesky flies. Not only that, but flies prefer to lay their eggs in the moist environment that a chicken coop provides. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to keep flies at bay. Keep reading to learn more!
Keep the coop clean. Depending on how many chickens you have, this may mean cleaning out the coop every day, or every couple of days. You should prioritize cleaning under roosts and perches, as this is where manure buildup is most likely to occur.
Use sand as bedding. Sand does a great job at preventing moisture buildup in the coop. In addition, it can easily be turned over to bury waste that attracts flies, especially if you cannot clean the coop in that moment. If you are wanting to reduce flies as much as possible, you should definitely avoid using straw as bedding. Straw is not nearly as absorbent as other options!
Use diatomaceous earth. This is a powder containing about 80%-90% silica, including the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms. When sprinkled on bedding, diatomaceous earth kills fly larva and also acts as a dehydrator!
Clean up treats. Treats are delicious to more than just your chickens! Don’t let fruit and veggies sit out untouched, as they will start to rot and attract flies.
Eliminate stagnant water. Make sure your waterer is sealed tight, is not overfilled, and that it cannot be easily tipped over. Ensure you are filling your waterer away from the coop area if possible, that way any overflow does not sit in the coop.
Purchase fly predators. You will receive a bag of cocoons that will ultimately need to be hatched. Once hatched, put the bugs around your coop or near manure piles on your farm. They will feast on the pupa of flies, which is a great natural method of fly control! However, do not put fly predators directly inside the coop, as they are bound to be gobbled up by your flock. If your chickens free range, put them behind a fence, in plants that your chickens do not frequent, or simply place them somewhere up above your flock in open cups.
Install fans in the coop. When choosing a fan, ensure it is small, has an enclosed motor to protect it from dust, and that it is safe for outdoor use. Solar fans make a great investment! Installing a fan will create airflow that will make it hard for flies to land and lay eggs. In addition, it will keep the coop well-ventilated, which prevents the buildup of moisture.
Use fly traps. The plastic or bag-type fly traps are recommended rather than sticky ones, as the sticky ones can get caught up in your chickens’ feathers. For best results, they should be placed no more than four feet off the ground of your coop. Though fly traps can be smelly, they are very effective when it comes to removing flies rather than just repelling them!
Flies are practically a package deal when you own chickens. Some chicken owners are bothered by their presence more than others. Though your chickens probably don’t mind the flies too much, you can follow the above tips to create a more pleasant environment for all!