Red ants in the coop?

[operationindigo]

I was just outside changing water and filling feed and I noticed that there was a swarm of red ants underneath my chickens' feeder. I hosed them off and cleaned the feeder and water container. Normally I set the feeder and waterer on a wooden board because it helps keep the pine shavings out of the food/water by raising it up a bit. I lifted up the piece of wood and there were swarms and swarms of ants. They weren't there this morning! I tried to scoop them out and wash out the wood underneath. Is this dangerous for my chickens? How do I get rid of them? I have a small coop and run with two chickens.

 

[operationindigo]

I apologize if this was the wrong forum to post this in. It was hard to figure out where it "fit" in the topics.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I doubt it's dangerous for the chickens. They might like them as a snack.

If the ants are worrying you, or getting into the feed, I'd use some Sevin dust in the area. Sevin is actually approved for use ON chickens, so you don't need to worry about using it near them.