How to Control Flies in the Chicken Coop
How to Control Flies in the Chicken Coop
Flies in your chicken coop driving you up the wall? They're not just a nuisance—they can spread diseases to your chickens and even make your home uncomfortable.
Flies are a prevalent pest in chicken coops, particularly during the warmer months.
You can keep flies away from the chicken coop by cleaning the coop, managing waste effectively, controlling feed, using natural deterrents, setting up non-toxic fly traps, keeping the coop dry, and applying preventive measures like diatomaceous earth.
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 cleaning and reducing spilled feed 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. You can also use a disinfectant like Vetsense Coop Spray.
- 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.
- Apply Diatomaceous Earth: Prevent fly larvae from developing by sprinkling diatomaceous earth in nesting boxes, bedding and around the coop.
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.
Dealing with Flystrike
Flystrike, or myiasis, is a serious and potentially fatal condition where flies lay eggs on a chook, and the hatching maggots burrow into the flesh. It's more common in the warmer months and can escalate quickly, so prompt action is essential.
Flystrike can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
- Regular Inspections: Check your chooks for signs of flystrike, especially in warm weather.
- Immediate Action: If you notice maggots, isolate the chook and consult a vet.
- Preventive Care: Keep the coop clean and dry to reduce risks.
Create a Fly-Free Haven for Your Chooks
Keeping your chicken coop free of flies doesn't have to be a chore.
With regular cleaning, proper waste management, and natural deterrents, you can enjoy a healthier environment for your chooks and a more pleasant backyard for yourself.
Ready to make a change?
Check out our range of effective, natural products at Dine-A-Chook and give your chooks the comfortable home they deserve.
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
