Flies in Coop

[Lavender and CJ]

I’m sure this has probably been discussed, but I have a few concerns. It has been around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the past week and the number of flies in our chicken run has increased dramatically. I clean the coop every few days and have tried to clean more often, but it’s hard with flies constantly buzzing around me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve heard fly traps work well, but does anyone have a place they put fly traps that seems to be effective? Is there a specific brand of fly trap you would recommend?

Additionally, I have a Silver Laced Wyandotte with a constantly poopy vent area. She is barely one year old and laying regularly. We do not have a rooster. I am very aware that a dirty vent is dangerous with flies in the run. We cleaned her vent area last week, but it keeps coming back. There are no signs of obvious illness, poop just seems to stick to her downy feathers. Washing it has not worked for us, so I’m thinking that the best solution is to trim these feathers. When I trim them, will I hit a pin feather if I am only trimming the downy feathers? How close do I trim to the skin? Is there a better solution to this issue?
Any advice would be so appreciated! I just want to make sure my hens don’t get flystrike.

 

[Sally PB]

I’ve heard fly traps work well, but does anyone have a place they put fly traps that seems to be effective? Is there a specific brand of fly trap you would recommend?

I have 2 of this brand, which I got at TSC. They attract flies, so DO NOT put them in or near your chicken run. Put them downwind from your house/porch/deck, as the bait smells like rotting meat.

I found it works very well. I don't find many flies around the chicken coop/run or house. It's reusable; just get replacement bait packets, also available at TSC.

 

[Lavender and CJ]

Thank you so much! We just bought one.

 

[Sally PB]

The bait that comes with it positively reeks. The replacement bait I got is a different brand, and it doesn't smell nearly as much.

I don't know if it isn't as effective either, or if the flies are behind (like everything else) because we had a cool, slow spring.

 

[FeatherToes0328]

I’m sure this has probably been discussed, but I have a few concerns. It has been around 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the past week and the number of flies in our chicken run has increased dramatically. I clean the coop every few days and have tried to clean more often, but it’s hard with flies constantly buzzing around me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’ve heard fly traps work well, but does anyone have a place they put fly traps that seems to be effective? Is there a specific brand of fly trap you would recommend?

Additionally, I have a Silver Laced Wyandotte with a constantly poopy vent area. She is barely one year old and laying regularly. We do not have a rooster. I am very aware that a dirty vent is dangerous with flies in the run. We cleaned her vent area last week, but it keeps coming back. There are no signs of obvious illness, poop just seems to stick to her downy feathers. Washing it has not worked for us, so I’m thinking that the best solution is to trim these feathers. When I trim them, will I hit a pin feather if I am only trimming the downy feathers? How close do I trim to the skin? Is there a better solution to this issue?
Any advice would be so appreciated! I just want to make sure my hens don’t get flystrike.

I had a terrible fly problem. My neighbor has chickens, as well as a litter of very young puppies kept outside. She told me about a lime product that made a big difference in her coop and yard. It's called Saturday Lime, a lime product that is not quite as caustic, not as hard to breathe around as barn lime. She was amazed at the decrease in flies and mosquitos after treating her yard, coop and puppy area. I ordered some as well. I have used on my coop and yard and have seen a significant change in my outdoor areas as well. I no longer need to constantly burn citronella coils outside of all exterior doors just to stop the flies and mosquitos from flying into my home. We can also sit outside without getting eaten alive! Not a paid promotion, just passing along a great product.

 

[FeatherToes0328]

View attachment 4147807
I have 2 of this brand, which I got at TSC. They attract flies, so DO NOT put them in or near your chicken run. Put them downwind from your house/porch/deck, as the bait smells like rotting meat.

I found it works very well. I don't find many flies around the chicken coop/run or house. It's reusable; just get replacement bait packets, also available at TSC.

We tried those. They attracted literally EVERY fly within 3 miles. I could not empty them because it made me sick between the smell and the thousands of dead flies in the trap.

 

[saysfaa]

...
Additionally, I have a Silver Laced Wyandotte with a constantly poopy vent area. ...

What are you feeding her? Oats in particular can cause this for chickens when they are very much of their diet. Oats may not be the only thing that does.