The run is loaded with flies

[KingD]

You actually put it IN the run? Or near it? And it poses to no risk to the chicks?

It's best to put it near the run but not in it. You hang them at about 3 metres or so.

 

[Battlepants]

You actually put it IN the run? Or near it? And it poses to no risk to the chicks?

I'd probably keep it out of the run. Chickens are very curious creatures with a limited ability to fly. As you can imagine, this will result in a decent deal of shenanigans involving anything they can reach.

 

[3KillerBs]

So, mulch?

Coarse wood chips -- like you get from a tree trimming service -- are often considered the gold standard, but any kind of dry organic material that you can easily get should help.

 

[Ccort]

Coarse wood chips -- like you get from a tree trimming service -- are often considered the gold standard, but any kind of dry organic material that you can easily get should help.

Just contacted businesses about free wood chips. So far they're three months out so probably looking at something else!

 

[3KillerBs]

Just contacted businesses about free wood chips. So far they're three months out so probably looking at something else!

Wow. Generally they're trying to get rid of the stuff.

Do you have some woods where you could rake up a bunch of last fall's leaves?

 

[Ccort]

I'm in the city so unfortunately no. I am going to see if I can gather some of my.pine needles though and spread those. I'm assuming that would help?

What about a mix of pine needles and mulch for now?

I'm also ordering the fly trap.

 

[RoyalChick]

I'm in the city so unfortunately no. I am going to see if I can gather some of my.pine needles though and spread those. I'm assuming that would help?

What about a mix of pine needles and mulch for now?

I'm also ordering the fly trap.

I use mainly leaves but also some pine needles. Many of us also use shredded paper.

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm in the city so unfortunately no. I am going to see if I can gather some of my.pine needles though and spread those. I'm assuming that would help?

What about a mix of pine needles and mulch for now?

I'm also ordering the fly trap.

Any dry organic material should help.

 

[Ccort]

I could kick myself for not saving leaves. I'll have plenty in late fall!

Thoughts on using straw or cut grass? I'm thinking cut grass won't help but if you have experience, would like to hear it.

 

[SourRoses]

It's probably worth a closer inspection of your run to make sure you don't have any water leaking or building up that's contributing to this.

How do you water the birds?
How is the drainage of the site?