Backyard "Ranging" & Flies

[MissusC]

One way is to use a strong jet of hose water and wash it down into the soil, but that might not be practical for you. The reason I think I'll catch it is because I mention having too many chickens for the amount of space you have as a possibility.

Naw, I would never get on someone for suggesting I need to take a look at the whole picture.

Thanks for the water suggestion. It's worth a shot.

 

[angel8035]

I have the same problem. I only have five chickens but they free range every day. The flies do hover on the ground. I'm sure a lot of it is to do with the heat as well. I was wondering also if just hosing everything down would help or make things worse. I think I will try that. There's not really a way to rake everything up because it's in all of the dry grass and leaves.

 

[galanie]

If it's all dry and you wet it down, you'll add to your woes. If however you're washing out the poop, then go for it.

 

[ChickPrincess]

Every few days I use the hose to wash the ground down. You want to break up the chicken poo so that it can naturally break down faster. Once that dries completely, I use DE in a kitchen sifter to sift a layer over any fresher or moist poop. Takes me awhile... I spend a good 1/2 hour or so shaking DE as I walk through the run.
I bought a 50# bag of DE. Best investment! It really makes a difference if used consistently.