- Sep 15, 2013
- 291
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I have a small urban flock of 15 bantam hens. I have been pretty successful in keeping the smell to a minimum, and they have a pretty nice sized coop and run. I also have two dogs and the rest of my back yard (that is not part of the chicken area) is pretty small. My problem is the flies in summer, not just because of the chicken but also the dogs. If eel like I keep it fairly clean, and I have tried fly strips, those jug traps, etc. but even so especially on a sunny day the whole yard and the chicken run buzzes with flies. It's gross, and I feel like it makes my whole "farm in the city" seem grosser to my neighbors. I have had my chickens a couple years and no one has complained (except when I had a rooster I didn't get rid of fast enough!) but even if they don't care I also hate being out in the yard with flies everywhere.
The city doesn't seem to have any prohibitions on waterfowl so I am considering getting two *female* Muscovys to put with my chickens, because I read a study that indicated they are one of the most efficient fly killers (chemicals included) out there. Is this true? Will they actually help more than they hurt? (If I do this I will build them a pool "deck" so the ducks don't make a worse mess in the pen with their water). I have always wanted Muscovys anyway, and their personalities, as well as the fact that they are quiet, and don't need water as much makes them appealing.
Thoughts?
The city doesn't seem to have any prohibitions on waterfowl so I am considering getting two *female* Muscovys to put with my chickens, because I read a study that indicated they are one of the most efficient fly killers (chemicals included) out there. Is this true? Will they actually help more than they hurt? (If I do this I will build them a pool "deck" so the ducks don't make a worse mess in the pen with their water). I have always wanted Muscovys anyway, and their personalities, as well as the fact that they are quiet, and don't need water as much makes them appealing.
Thoughts?
