South Carolina

[pickitfarm]

I have been thinking about fire ants and there impact on the chickens.. Are they dangerous to them or do they like to eat them. Being in SC we have them all over but they are not large mounds. Because we are always tilling land up for putting in our plants for the farm we run into them and sometimes get stung.

Since we do not want to use chemicals on our property for the sake of the chickens as well as well as we grow naturally, what options are out there to contain them. I have heard if you harass them enough the queen will move her colony. How do you know how many queens are in one area? We did not have these in Delaware.

 

[KrisH]

Just popping in to say thanks for the replies. It's helpful to know the squirrels won't be an issue. When I say we have a lot we have A LOT in this neighborhood. I'm so anxious to get my flock going but I'm sticking to my promise of next spring so the husband doesn't get upset with me. I might swing back to trying an order of baby chicks. I like the idea, just apprehensive of losing them because of a rough journey. If I didn't have my heart set on Orpingtons I'd just get some at the local tractor supply come spring and buy whatever but I really fell in love with Orps.

I am behind and slowly catching up. WELCOME TO ALL THE NEW PEEPS! Kodiakbear, stay on hear I know there are orpington breeders in SC. I didn't see where you are from. Tell us where and I am sure we can help you find someone not too far away.

Amy it was so nice to see you and Terry, as always. Hate we are so far away.

Oh I am working backwards.

 

[KrisH]

I have been thinking about fire ants and there impact on the chickens.. Are they dangerous to them or do they like to eat them. Being in SC we have them all over but they are not large mounds. Because we are always tilling land up for putting in our plants for the farm we run into them and sometimes get stung.

Since we do not want to use chemicals on our property for the sake of the chickens as well as well as we grow naturally, what options are out there to contain them. I have heard if you harass them enough the queen will move her colony. How do you know how many queens are in one area? We did not have these in Delaware.

We use DE (Diatomacious earth) and no the fire ants don't bother them, some of us hope the chickens will actually eat those darn ants, and they will if they have nothing else to eat, but usually there are better bugs to eat.

 

[pickitfarm]

Thanks. It would be nice but I just want to make sure they cannot harm them. I am thinking you need to be careful of chicks because of there size. I have observed any ants in around their pens or coops. I was concerned when we free range them.

 

[EggieRowe]

I tried a spinosad drench on the mounds and kept the birds in the run just in case. At first I didn't think it did anything, but a few days later I didn't see them. But then I found them about 2 feet from where they were. :/ Someone told me to take a shovel full from one colony and mix it with another & vice versa. They will supposedly try to kill each others' queen. I'm trying that next - I got lit up this weekend mowing the grass.

 

[EggieRowe]

Duplicate

 

[NestingHillsSC]

I have been thinking about fire ants and there impact on the chickens.. Are they dangerous to them or do they like to eat them. Being in SC we have them all over but they are not large mounds. Because we are always tilling land up for putting in our plants for the farm we run into them and sometimes get stung.

Since we do not want to use chemicals on our property for the sake of the chickens as well as well as we grow naturally, what options are out there to contain them. I have heard if you harass them enough the queen will move her colony. How do you know how many queens are in one area? We did not have these in Delaware.

We have those darn ants. But I NEVER have seen an ant hills in any of my chicken areas.

 

[EggieRowe]

Anyone see a big wooden boat cruise by on their morning commute? I know we had a drought last year, but this is ridiculous! I'm getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.

 

[Dezincarolina]

Hey guys, I just found a breeder here close to me that ships you 100 mealworms for $2.75. He can also sell you a bredder kit ready to go including the mealworms for $20.00. I have to feed my son's dragon anyway and am thinking that this would be good for the girls to have in the winter....................I'm excited about meal worms..........get my straight jacket ready.

 

[CarolinaHen]

Anyone see a big wooden boat cruise by on their morning commute?  I know we had a drought last year, but this is ridiculous!  I'm getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.

 

Us too! I can't even walk outside for 10 minutes without bug spray on, and even then I still get bitten