Broody chicken and ants

[Desirai]

for those of you who don't know I recently lost a chicken to being eaten alive by ants after he injured himself.

one of my hens has gone broody and is sitting on an egg in the corner of the coop. Ants are in my coop trying to build a nest (really, where are they trying to go? I dunno)

I'm terrified that they will eat my hen too.

Will ants attack my broody hen or will they leave her alone?

Should I try and move her off of the floor into a nesting box?

 

[Billy-jean]

I would get some Diatomaceous Earth,and sprinkle it in the coop and where her nest is,,this will kill the ants but is 100% safe for your hens. It also deters mites and lice ect,,,great stuff! Either do that or I would definitely get her off the floor and onto a higher level. I take it that she's a silkie?? LOL
You should try to get rid of those ants if they are able to cause any harm to any of your animals,,I would go get some DE!!! then get an ant trap and put it where the hes can't get into it.

 

[Desirai]

thank you for the info. where can I get DE?

 

[mickey328]

We get ours at the feed store. Just ask for food grade DE...they should have it available for you

 

[Billy-jean]

I ordered a 50 lb bag online and I picked it up at the post office! will last me 3 years!! You can order it too,,,it's at:
http://www.diatomitecanada.com/

 

[destinduck]

Or get some 5% sevin dust. Works alot better Also KILLS lice and mites doesnt deter them. You can get at feed store lowes, or home depot.