Controlling Flies

[citychickinthecountry]

Does anyone have any experience with controlling flies in their coop/coop area? The coop is very clean, but I have a hen with 2 open wounds and flies have discovered them. I am going to keep her in a wire cage in my laundry room for about a week, but I need to be sure that flies do not have access to the wounds after I return her to the coop (after she is healed). I was thinking about getting a fly zapper (electronic light). Does anyone use these or have experience (good or bad) with them?

It's a good thing I love my chickens! I have spent over $300 in vet bills on this poor hen over the past month. First mites and lice, then one of her butt bones popped through the skin (we think from falling onto a concrete block after jumping), and now that absess has reopened and she has a second one. I feel like the worst chicken mommy ever!

 

[SteveBaz]

The fly zapper is not needed if your run, coop and sleeper are kept clean. Your hen need a good coat of "BLUE-Kot". Blue-Kot is a septic and antiseptic coat so the insects can not get to it and discourages the other chickens from disturbing it or pecking her. You still need to isolate your hen until a good part of the healing is done. If you do not get this in control and get it treated or you may need to cull her.

 

[CMV]

Actually, you will have better luck using those cheap vanilla car/air fresheners. You know the ones that are shaped like a pine tree. Put some of those in the coop to keep the flies down. And then get some Swat, which you can find at your local agriculture store in the horse section. It is used to keep flies out of open wounds.

I hope this helps. Good luck.