Have any hacks and tips for summer pest ?

[Chickenkeeper07]

Got my hens at the end of last summer . There were flies but they weren’t so bad . I’m preparing for this summer because I don’t know how bad it will be . I’ve bought fly strips and non scent fly hangers . I’ve tried fly catchers but they just smell to bad and upset the neighbors . I also have used lavender spray ! Do you guys have any tips or hacks to control pest!

 

[BDutch]

More ventilation in the coop.
If the poo dries up it doesn’t smell.

More space and less roof in the run.
If the run is big enough you can create a natural setting where the poo breaks down.
Flies are no problem. The flies eat the chicken poo and even can be food for the chickens.

Be sure you don't hang poisonous things in the coop.

 

[Acre4Me]

Where are you located?

when flies get bad, we toss the bedding around to cover the droppings or we clean out the coop if it needs it. We have sprayed permethrin in the coop as well. Usually I do that only when we treat for lice or mites, but have sprayed if it’s especially bad.

 

[Folly's place]

I agree! Dry bedding, ventilation, permethrin once in a while, and also I use the Spalding fly predators outside the coop where the chickens can't reach their eggs in the package.
Try them, or at least look them up. It's about time to order them if you are interested.
Mary

 

[BDutch]

Where are you located?

when flies get bad, we toss the bedding around to cover the droppings or we clean out the coop if it needs it. We have sprayed permethrin in the coop as well. Usually I do that only when we treat for lice or mites, but have sprayed if it’s especially bad.

I would never use a poison for something harmless as flies. Not even one that breaks down easy like permethrin. Its not so bad as many other poisons but it sure is not harmless.
And.. Whats the point on the longer term?

@Chickenkeeper07
If you have a nasty problem with flies there is something wrong in you're setup you have to change. Try to search the cause of this problem. I mentioned a few possibilities before. Maybe its just too crowded? Try less chickens or a bigger setup?

 

[FluffyBottomBantams]

In small amounts flies aren’t a big deal but you don’t want them laying eggs on a wound or one of your hens poopy rear ends. Fly-strike is no joke.

 

[BDutch]

In my country fly strike only happens when chickens have wounds or need to live in unhealthy conditions (as far as I know).

Advice is to keep things clean and remove wounded chickens from the flock into a separate place to prevent more pecking. .

 

[Chicken101-07]

I usually use lime(the white powdery stuff) kills off the poop smell and doesn't attract flies.I cover up the poops with it or just throw some all around in the coop when it rains,the rain tends to make the smell a lot worst,I don't think it is toxic,I've used it for over a year and flock still healthy,of course I don't use it anywhere there is food or water.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I switched my coop over to Grounds (coffee grounds) bedding and scoop it daily. It's 100% improved everything. I never have to change the bedding. There's never a smell (other than lovely coffee). There's no insect trouble. No poop on my eggs. Ever. It virtually eliminates the risk of respiratory issues as well. It takes me about 1-2 minutes to scoop the poop. I recommend it!! It cost me $30 to fill my coop. Some is lost through the opening of the doors, but I put a board down as a barrier in front to minimize the loss. I also dry out my coffee grounds on a plate on top of the fridge and add to the coop to help prolong needing to add more.

 

[Acre4Me]

I would never use a poison for something harmless as flies. Not even one that breaks down easy like permethrin. Its not so bad as many other poisons but it sure is not harmless.
And.. Whats the point on the longer term?

your personal opinion. You live somewhere different than me and already stated flies aren’t much of an issue for you. That’s great, but that is not everyone’s experience. Permethrin is useful, but not harmful to the chickens. The point is to get rid of flies. I’m sure you are aware they carry disease, and can be problematic, so that would be the point -to get rid of them.