Flies in grass

[RobynD]

I have a backyard flock(10 chickens) in a neighborhood. I have a daycare with 12 children and we love the chickens running around free. However, the flies in the grass are horrible! I'm assuming this is from the poop in the grass. Any suggestions on how to keep the flies down in the grass? I'm afraid if I keep it well watered the flies will congretate more. It just doesn't look well to have a daycare and a backyard full of flies!

I hate the idea of confining the girls to just their run which is a good size of 12x12, I just like the idea of them able to forage around and be more natural!!

 

[Whittni]

Vanilla scented car scent things everywhere or bags of water hung up.

 

[chfite]

The nasty smelling bag style fly traps work well. Not fast, but quite effective. Adding diatomaceous earth to the feed will help dry the poop to keep the fly population down.

You could knock down the poop with a shot from a nozzle on a garden hose. It will get so diluted by the water that the flies won't settle on it to lay eggs.

Chris