Flies

[QuackerOats]

Do any of you have flies around your chicken coop? I will be keeping two chickens and I was worried about potential flies. Flies drive me insane and I wouldn't want them getting into the house!

Every time I go to the local zoo, there are TONS of flies living around the farm animals. Is this because the area is not kept clean enough? How can I keep the flies away?

Thanks!

 

[CityChook]

I put a little DE sprinkled in the coop, in their run and even put a little in their food when I think about it. I haven't had a fly problem. Is it the DE? I dunno. But it has worked so far for me. Hopefully someone with a little more understanding of DE will chime in.

I understand your frustration -- I think flies are gross.

 

[QuackerOats]

Thanks for your help so far.

However.. what is DE?

I googled it and I couldn't find a match. Thanks!

 

[grandmaof5]

Here is what I found on a quick Google, but there is much written on this site; have a look around. Most people use it to keep flies and/or smells down. http://www.livingwithbugs.com/diatomaceous.html

 

[QuackerOats]

Thank you. I shall look into it.

 

[Dora'smom]

I dusted my entire coop and run with DE about 5 days ago, and I have lots of flies on the one side. I think with the warming weather, there has been a large hatch. Maybe DE will help decrease the numbers, but I have alot anyway.

 

[QuackerOats]

Are the flies attracted to the food, chickens, or the poo? I would guess poo, since thats where I see them most of the time.

 

[bantybev]

There are at least two types of DE. Make sure the DE you buy is the food grade type and not the type they sell for pools. Only the food grade kind should be used around your chickens.

Edited to add: You can find the food grade kind at some farm and feed centers for around $25.00 for 50 lbs. Make sure it is stamped "Food Grade'