Ants attacking chicks as they hatch HELP!

[JenTurner]

Ok so Ive lost 2 chicks now to ants getting into their shells as soon as they make a hole, they swarm the whole nest. Ive brought them inside but I have no real equipment to control the environment. Is there a poison that I can use that ssafe for the chickens and chicks to be around in the next? something natural maybe?? We moved the other nest to another box but Im sure they will follow. So I have one set of eggs inside (1 has hatched but I dont have high hopes for the others) and one set is still in the coop.

 

[bjmstahl]

I have used baking soda successfully in my house. I make a barrier across the door opening or at the point that they are getting in. I sprinkle it right from the box. I don't know how effective it would be around chickens.

 

[JenTurner]

These are fire ants, I need something that will kill them. Thanks or the idea though

 

[Slater1995]

Quote:
I hatch my eggs in an incubator and if the eggs are ready to hatch you could put them in a fish aquarium or a styrofoam box without a top. You need to put a heat lamp over them and put a few rags or papertowels soaked in water in with the eggs to keep the humidity up. If you can get to Meijiers they carry a thermometer for less than $9 that I use and it works great. It is actually for Hermit crabs so that is where you will find it. I am thinking you can try Permethrin-10 to kill the ants. It is for livestock and it kills lice, mites, flies and lots of other things, You can spray chickens with it so it should be ok to use. A large bottle runs about $19 at tractor supply.

I hope I have helped.

Thanks
Teresa

Link for Tractor Supply for Permethrin
http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...10-livestock-amp-premise-spray-32-oz--2212611

Here is a link to a picture of the Zoo Med Hermit Crab Dual Thermometer & Humidity Gauge. This is at Pet's Mart where they are a little more expensive, but I could not find it on the Meijer's sight altough that is where I bought mine. I believe I paid $8.19 each for mine at Meijer.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752637

 

[Slater1995]

Quote:
I hatch my eggs in an incubator and if the eggs are ready to hatch you could put them in a fish aquarium or a styrofoam box without a top. You need to put a heat lamp over them and put a few rags or papertowels soaked in water in with the eggs to keep the humidity up. If you can get to Meijiers they carry a thermometer for less than $9 that I use and it works great. It is actually for Hermit crabs so that is where you will find it. I am thinking you can try Permethrin-10 to kill the ants. It is for livestock and it kills lice, mites, flies and lots of other things, You can spray chickens with it so it should be ok to use. A large bottle runs about $19 at tractor supply.

I hope I have helped.

Thanks
Teresa

Link for Tractor Supply for Permethrin
http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...10-livestock-amp-premise-spray-32-oz--2212611

Here is a link to a picture of the Zoo Med Hermit Crab Dual Thermometer & Humidity Gauge. This is at Pet's Mart where they are a little more expensive, but I could not find it on the Meijer's sight altough that is where I bought mine. I believe I paid $8.19 each for mine at Meijer.

For Fire Ants I found this: You would have to read if safe to use around chickens

http://www.tractorsupply.com/livest...tinguish-reg-plus-fire-ant-bait-1-lb--5139155

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752637