Do chickens eat ticks?

[thechickenfarmer]

I was just wondering cause we seem to have a lot this year. Normally they aren't that big of a problem but, I've had two one me this week and one on my son! We had both been in a field on our property which is were they seem to be. I don't want to get guinea hens and was wondering if I put a free range flock in the field would they keep the population of ticks down?

Jen

 

[Sunshine Hen]

I would assume that they will eat any bugs they find.

I sure hope they eat ticks. I HATE THEM!!

 

[Jillylam]

Jen,
I'm not sure if they eat ticks or not but I'm hoping they do. Just today I opened up a part of the fencing to let them roam from their normal yard into a bigger field where we always have ticks. Years back I would put down pesticide to keep the ticks, spiders etc under control - and it worked great, but I've stopped using any chemical pesticides (and herbicides) altogether for environment and health reasons. We're just a lot more diligent in checking over ourselves and the dogs. We did have one dog diagnosed with Lyme last year but it was caught and treated before she had any symptoms so we were lucky. Well, good luck with the tick situation and let me know if you do happen to see any of the chickens eating ticks.

 

[chickflick]

I read some where that they do eat ticks.

 

[CashmereSussex]

get some guinea fowl they are good for tick control

 

[kstaven]

Chickens will eat ticks. They will not control them as well as guineas will. Just means you need more chickens to do the same job as a few guineas.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

Woohoo!

I'm glad to hear that, at the very least, they will help! Still have a tiny bit of snow left to melt, and I've already picked one of those cretins off my daughter. YICK.

 

[ChickieDee]

The other day my husband picked a big tick off our dog and held it in front of my Red. She gobbled it down. It was GROSSSSS!

 

[countrygirl4513]

i've ordered some Diatomaceous earth, food grade from this website www.dirtworks.net
there are great posts here about it and it sounds wonderful so i'm gonna give it a go. you should read the posts. Diatomaceous earth--- Really that harmless?????
all my animals will appreciate it.

 

[thechickenfarmer]

Thanks everybody. I guess getting more chickens certainly can't hurt right?

I also heard that guinea fowl was the best at tick control but I've also heard they are really loud. Another thing I heard is that they don't get along with other birds. Anyone know how they would do if they free ranged in the same space as chickens? The field I want to use is only about an acre. Jen