There is not much that phases me, but this did --- ANTS!

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

H! I am used to dealing with the adversities that come from letting hens hatch eggs , and especially from letting hens set eggs in a 'community' environment.

I don't expect to have the nests swarmed by ants as soon as the chicks pip.
The hen left the nest box (and I don't blame her), the pipped eggs were just swarmed with ants.
I grabbed them and did what I could, but multiple ant bites to a chick is just too much for their system.
I usually dust the nest boxes with 5% Sevin to deter ants, but haven't seen any til now --- too late for those chicks.

Just a reminder, for those of you are in an area where ants are always present.

Lisa

 

[shortcake1806]

Oh no, I'm so sorry. You know ants being a problem never occured to me. Thanks for the warning. Sorry it had to come at the expense of your chicks.

 

[PearlD]

Well, (hands on hips)let me just say, that in the past couple of weeks I have had ANTS getting in my INCUBATOR!!!!!

I have to be really careful when they start to hatch, 'cause you know those things call their friends when they come across something interesting.....
I hate ants!!! They are right up there with mosquitoes and mice.