flies

[waw]

lately there has been about 1000000 black flies flying around my chickens and when i picked one of the chickens up and killed some of the flies i noticed that they were sucking my chickens blood and making there waddles scab over and look horrible
what are they and what to do

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_poultry_parasites
click on external parasites and I hope it helps some

doesn't mention black flies but does mention housefly

 

[rosesm]

If its a black soldier fly they are good for composting. Do you have a compost site around??

 

[rosesm]

Haven't heard from you waw, have your found a solution on how to get rid of the flies?

 

[2greenboyz]

Check out this thread https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/573746/flies

I started using DE and also sweet pdz. Think it has the DE in it and is less powdery, but it is safe. Helps to keep down the flies Do a search for it. I've noticed a lot fewer flies since I started.

 

[rosesm]

Waw, DE is good too just make sure you are using the food grade. Hope you have found a way for the flies, how to get rid of them.

 

[dawg53]

I've used vanilla scented Christmas tree car air fresheners as recommended by others in deterring flies. I hung a few in the pen and garage. They seemed to work well deterring flies. Sand in the pen also deters insects and keeps everything dry. I've used sticky fly strips as well, just have to hang them high enough so a curious chicken wont jump up and get tangled in one...had it happen lol.

 

[WenJ]

How much sweet pdz should I put in the coop? I have a small 4x4 coop, 4 hens. I am using a mix of shavings and pellets in the coop. I already have some DE but the flies are still awful. Can I put the DE or PDZ in the run too or would it be a waste?

 

[hannahwren]

Vanilla Car Fresheners?? O wow I hope this works!!! I am sick of flies, not bad in the coop but awful around the patio and porch. . . Go figure. It might be, because we keep our rubber yard/coop boots by the door. IDK, but we bought several things from the FEED STORE that were recommended, that did nothing. I planted basil, mint, and lemon balm around the coop, I read it some where that it might help with flies. . . .they are not bad so maybe it does. I added a few herb boxes on the patio yesterday, but I am going to get air freshener tomorrow!!! Thanks Dawg53.

 

[rosesm]

I had no idea the car fresheners would work on flies , and how to get rid of them. I'm new to chickens what is sweet pdz?