BLOODIED BY GNATS AND REACURRING BULGING CHEST

[KadiaLarson]

Dear BYC,

Problem 1# I have a darling Splash Silkie who is getting eaten alive by gnats! The horrible creatures have left her head and chin to breast bloodied . I have tried multiple cures to get rid of the annoying pests . Diatomaceous earth,vanilla,insect repellant bracelet and fly biter? (I think that's what it was called) . I don't know what else to do! She's always scratching herself and crying and I feel horrible about it . ORGANIC and preferably INEXPENSIVE suggestions would be very helpful . Can I put aloe on the bites? Should I gently wash the bloodied areas?


Problem 2# Silkie Baby gets a near bursting crop every EARLY evening . I've read that it's normal if the chicken has been a pig (no offense piggies), but is it normal if it keeps happening? She's free ranged so should I pen her up and ration food?
Thanks in advance.

~ Singned A Worried And Inexperienced Chicken Momma

 

[Kathy Golla]

This has been a problem.
Search the forums for buffalo gnats or gnats. I assume that’s what you are talking about.
There are answers.
Most people are having success with spraying permethrin and putting mosquito netting over their pens and coops.
If it gets too bad you should move her inside. If it’s buffalo gnats, Apparently they are life threatening with their toxin and blocking chickens noses and throats.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Agreed others are having the same issues listen to Kathy please there is help
take her in first thing

 

[KadiaLarson]

Agreed others are having the same issues listen to Kathy please there is help
take her in first thing

Got her inside

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Problem 1# I have a darling Splash Silkie who is getting eaten alive by gnats! The horrible creatures have left her head and chin to breast bloodied . I have tried multiple cures to get rid of the annoying pests .

She's always scratching herself and crying and I feel horrible about it

Problem 2# Silkie Baby gets a near bursting crop every EARLY evening . I've read that it's normal if the chicken has been a pig (no offense piggies), but is it normal if it keeps happening? She's free ranged so should I pen her up and ration food?
Thanks in advance.

Hi @KadiaLarson Welcome To BYC
Can you post some photos of your chicks?

Some people have had terrible problems with the gnats, many birds have died, so it's good that your brought her in. I would make sure she's eating/drinking well.
Here's a very good thread for you to read, you may find some products or tips you can use in that to help get the gnats under control.https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gnats-killing-birds.1305726/

As for baby #2 IF her crop is empty in the morning before she has had anything to eat/drink, then it should be fine. Most chicks go to bed with full crops. The concern would be if it's not emptying. No, I would not limit feed for a chick, growing birds need food available free choice during waking hours.

 

[KadiaLarson]

Hi @KadiaLarson Welcome To BYC
Can you post some photos of your chicks?

Some people have had terrible problems with the gnats, many birds have died, so it's good that your brought her in. I would make sure she's eating/drinking well.
Here's a very good thread for you to read, you may find some products or tips you can use in that to help get the gnats under control.https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/gnats-killing-birds.1305726/

As for baby #2 IF her crop is empty in the morning before she has had anything to eat/drink, then it should be fine. Most chicks go to bed with full crops. The concern would be if it's not emptying. No, I would not limit feed for a chick, growing birds need food available free choice during waking hours.

Here's Silkie Baby and Ruby! I am trying a citronella mix and It seems to be working!!!!! A sprinkle of the little nasties are still attacking her but it's a lot better than before . Not including thease two I have a flock of eight medium sized assorted docile breeds . They will start laying around August . I can't wait!!! I always love gathering fresh eggs lol. Sorry, I don't have a picture of the others but I'll take one later .