Flies in chicken coop

[shoo80]

Does anyone know any good ways to limit the amount of flies in the old chicken coop? I have straw for bedding. Also what is better for the birds cedar or pine shavings? Or does it even matter? My chickens are 20 weeks of age.

 

[Karlachix]

Not cedar because of the aromatic oils can be bad for the birds lungs. I was told by the hatchery that straw is preferable to hay, but pine chips/shavings is the best.

For the flies, some people spread DE in their coops. There's no chemicals involved. Here's a link to a lot of info put together by Dawn419.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=1560-Food_Grade_DE

I'm planning on using it but I'm looking for a local source. I HATE paying shipping charges.

 

[LynneP]

Vapona, Black Flag and Home Hardware make a waxy strip in a plastic frame called a no-pest strip. Hang in coop (not over food/water) and flies will be minimal. But the straw is likely the source, they're breeding in food remains that get damp...if you can, consider switching to pine shavings. Another thing that helps is using DE and either Stable Boy or Dtall Boy in the straw. The pH is altered making it unsuitable for harching of fly eggs.

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

.

 

[Anny]

Flies are often attracted to moisture. Maybe using pine would help a bit with that. Cedar is bad for the birds though, so avoid using cedar shaving.

 

[thebigrooster]

Besides the good suggestions provided to limit flies by DE, there are two products I can recommend from Useful Farm Products; The first is their [http://stopflies.com/products-page/fly-traps/solar-fly-trap/Solar Fly Trap[/url] and the second is [http://stopflies.com/fly-control/fly-tape/]Mr. Sticky[/url]. Both products have been proven to dramatically reduced flies.

 

[Bill in Hamlet]

DE, diatom' earth "Food Grade" only.... nuff said, Verrrry effective on anything with an exoskeleton.

Fair Winds,

Bill

 

[herefordlovinglady]

i saw on here the someone was using the hanging vanilla scented deodorizer. said it helped.

just a thought for you outdoor bbq'ers, i set up incense the other day when we were cooking outside, believe it or not, the flies were no where to be found after i started it going on the tables.

i have also read that cedar is not good for younger birds, causes respiratory problems

 

[StupidBird]

the only thing I've ever caught in the sticky traps is my cat, a toad, and my cat again. and myself. I'm sure my birds would somehow get themselves caught in one if I ever put it in the coop. Peanut butter is supposed to make the glue release, but you have to catch the cat first.

 

[joeyg4583]

I haven't tried this yet but I have heard hanging a french vanilla car air freshener christmas tree thingy helps. I am going to try it when my coop is finished up.