Questioning Life

[Andrew Myers]

Okay so I understand how to keep the predators out such as foxes, fishers, etc. But, what bugs are should I keep an eye out for minus mites, ticks, and other common parasites. Are there any bugs that can damage my coop or chickens badly? If so what are they?

 

[Fishkeeper]

That's about it. Termites are an issue if the coop is already in bad shape, as are carpenter ants, but they don't generally go after perfectly intact wood. Especially not painted wood, cedar, or both. Weevils could theoretically infest your chicken feed, but wouldn't hurt anything- extra protein!
The only major thing I can think of is to look up what spiders you have in the area, so you know if there are any particularly venomous ones. Chickens suffering from spider bites are rare, but it's possible.
Also, try to rodent-proof. No holes larger than 1/4", no places easy to chew through.

 

[azygous]

Darkling beetles love to hide next to foundations and under rocks, and they seem to be attracted to chicken dwellings. They can harbor bacteria that can infect chickens, making them acutely ill, should a chicken eat one. I use spinosad under the label of Elector PSP to control them as it's a biological insect control agent that won't harm chickens, but it's extremely effective on these beetles.

By the way, this is but a distant cousin of our meal worm darkling beetles, not the same as.

 

[Andrew Myers]

Thank you!!!! I think that the only really venomous spiders in Ohio are wolf spiders and black widows. However, we do have pygmy rattle snakes, VERY venomous water moccasins, bears, mountain lions, beavers (because why not), a lot of eagles (not a threat), tons of predatory birds, coyotes, foxes, the normal ones, and wolves every once and while. The things that worry me the most are the animals that people release all of the time out here like iguanas, alligators because intelligence, and even pythons. Thanks!!!

Merry early Christmas lol!

 

[Andrew Myers]

Darkling beetles love to hide next to foundations and under rocks, and they seem to be attracted to chicken dwellings. They can harbor bacteria that can infect chickens, making them acutely ill, should a chicken eat one. I use spinosad under the label of Elector PSP to control them as it's a biological insect control agent that won't harm chickens, but it's extremely effective on these beetles.

By the way, this is but a distant cousin of our meal worm darkling beetles, not the same as.

Thank you!