Colorado

[suncatcher]

Quote: All great ideas! I guess nature needs them for something, maybe food for the birds???? What other purpose could they serve? Just like flies, why do we need them again?

 

[P-Funk]

Well I just flashed back a year when there was one in the barn this morning, then 3 in the garage, then 2 more next door at the other house. I've read 2 convincing theories. 1: they fly west from Nebraska corn fields every year and make it to about Utah. 2: the larvae live underground 'till it starts to warm up. Both could be true. Last year I sealed every window and door and replaced any screens with holes in them. I actually repainted the TV room because of all the splotches in the walls. 2 more things as well. If you hang a light bulb over a container (like a litter box) full of soapy water they fly towards the light then get stuck in the soap. Also Vortex makes these traps with little blue LED lights and a fan inside. The fan sucks them into a trap when they get too close to the lights. They're made for smaller insects but you can remove the safety with a screwdriver. It makes quite a commotion when they go through the fan but it makes me smile every time.

They are about the size and shape of a can of tomato's and are generally pretty quiet. Still these little squirts know exactly when it's time to watch a movie and where the TV is, and I'm barely holding on to a thin shred of sanity already

Sorry Wendell! I was still typing when you wrote that, Wierd eh? Do you think we're Corsican brothers?

 

[suncatcher]

Well I just flashed back a year when there was one in the barn this morning, then 3 in the garage, then 2 more next door at the other house. I've read 2 convincing theories. 1: they fly west from Nebraska corn fields every year and make it to about Utah. 2: the larvae live underground 'till it starts to warm up. Both could be true. Last year I sealed every window and door and replaced any screens with holes in them. I actually repainted the TV room because of all the splotches in the walls. 2 more things as well. If you hang a light bulb over a container (like a litter box) full of soapy water they fly towards the light then get stuck in the soap. Also Vortex makes these traps with little blue LED lights and a fan inside. The fan sucks them into a trap when they get too close to the lights. They're made for smaller insects but you can remove the safety with a screwdriver. It makes quite a commotion when they go through the fan but it makes me smile every time.

They are about the size and shape of a can of tomato's and are generally pretty quiet. Still these little squirts know exactly when it's time to watch a movie and where the TV is, and I'm barely holding on to a thin shred of sanity already

Sorry Wendell! I was still typing when you wrote that, Wierd eh? Do you think we're Corsican brothers?

Seems to me some years are worse than others, not sure if it is the winter temps or early spring temps that makes their numbers increase. Also, what do they eat? Might help to remove their food source.

 

[samsr]

I am actually looking forward to them this year. I intend to leave the light in the shed on and in the morning put a few chickens in there and let thwm have at them. I may have to take a video of the miller moth carnage. It should be great. Less feed also. I had hundreds in the shed last year. Its gona be good.

 

[BrotherJosh]

Hi all,

I've got the Chicken Palace (as my neighbors call it) up and my existing flock of 3 is enjoying the new space - I'll work on getting pics up in my profile this weekend hopefully. I'm now looking for 2 more girls to add to the flock, preferably in the 3-4months old range so that the existing ~1yr olds don't pick on the newbies too much and they can all eat the same feed. Ideally I'd like some different breeds to the 2x Australorp and 1x Orpington that I've currently got, but also want to stick to quality brown egg layers - so Wyandotte, Welsummer, Brahma all fit the bill as far as I can tell (Wendell, I don't know enough about the Dom's but perhaps they'd be good for my situation too?). I'm in Denver but can drive to meet folks if needed. My wife is also due to pop any day so if I'm delayed in responding to messages it maybe because of an altogether different 'hatching'!

Thanks,

Josh

 

[suncatcher]

Hi all,

I've got the Chicken Palace (as my neighbors call it) up and my existing flock of 3 is enjoying the new space - I'll work on getting pics up in my profile this weekend hopefully. I'm now looking for 2 more girls to add to the flock, preferably in the 3-4months old range so that the existing ~1yr olds don't pick on the newbies too much and they can all eat the same feed. Ideally I'd like some different breeds to the 2x Australorp and 1x Orpington that I've currently got, but also want to stick to quality brown egg layers - so Wyandotte, Welsummer, Brahma all fit the bill as far as I can tell (Wendell, I don't know enough about the Dom's but perhaps they'd be good for my situation too?). I'm in Denver but can drive to meet folks if needed. My wife is also due to pop any day so if I'm delayed in responding to messages it maybe because of an altogether different 'hatching'!

Thanks,

Josh

I have not been on CL for awhile, but have seen older laying hens for sale there, on the Colorado Springs one. You might try a few of the swaps, as they may have the older pullets that you are looking for. Best wishes on your soon to be "hatchling"!!!!!

 

[Mtn Margie]

All great ideas! I guess nature needs them for something, maybe food for the birds???? What other purpose could they serve? Just like flies, why do we need them again?

TO KEEP MY CAT ENTERTAINED and well fed. That is their sole purpose for existence! I thought everyone knew that!!!!

 

[cosbackyard]

TO KEEP MY CAT ENTERTAINED and well fed. That is their sole purpose for existence! I thought everyone knew that!!!!

As I understand it - they're food for bears of all things.

 

[suncatcher]

Quote: Interesting! Did not know that!

 

[FrogEggs]

Are the mites in my wot bin harmful to chickens?

The worm guy said they are harmless, but he'll swap me (since they were in there when I bought the bin of worms...)