Yellow jackets/hornets

[Stephanie R]

Anyone have a chicken that was stung by a yellow jacket? There are a lot of them in the run. I've been watering the grass in the run and a few pots of herbs/lettuce that are in there. It's been really hot and I think they're attracted to the water. So far the chickens seem to be able to maneuver around just fine, but wondering if anyone has ever had a chicken get stung (I'm a little worried for them).

 

[centrarchid]

Stings not problem to be concerned about. In next month as yellow jacket abundance increases and prey base crashes sometimes small chicks targeted. Attack mode is biting,

 

[Stephanie R]

We set out a couple of yellow jacket traps around the run, and hopefully that will help a bit. It's a little disconcerting to have so many buzzing around the chickens. We live in a forested area and almost always have a lot of yellow jackets. My husband is going to tramp through our 6 acres and see if he can find any hives.

Thanks for your response.

 

[Folly's place]

In general, bug traps use attractants, so more will show up, not fewer. If you must use traps, place them away from the target areas, so the bugs head elsewhere. Mary

 

[centrarchid]

Close trash and prevent build up of wet / fermented feed that smells sweet. Rotting fruit can also be problematic.

 

[Stephanie R]

In general, bug traps use attractants, so more will show up, not fewer. If you must use traps, place them away from the target areas, so the bugs head elsewhere. Mary

I have lots of experience with yellow jacket traps. Living in the country, we have to deal with them every year and it makes it really difficult to eat on our beautiful patio. My husband always seems to stumble onto three or four ground nests every spring/summer. The traps are hung a fair distance from the coop. Thanks.

 

[Stephanie R]

Close trash and prevent build up of wet / fermented feed that smells sweet. Rotting fruit can also be problematic.

Thanks. There is no wet or fermented feed lying around. What fruit is given to the chickens is picked up immediately upon them finishing with it. I do think it's the water that's attracting the yellow jackets. It is very dry and hot here. They have been swarming the pond/waterfall by our patio for the water. My question really had more to do with chickens and bee stings than how to control the yellow jackets, but I do appreciate the response.

 

[centrarchid]

Avoid having small chicks out when Yellow Jacket colonies start starving for protein. I have had them go after chicks even when hen trying to defend. Can kill chicks and actually eat them.

 

[Stephanie R]

Avoid having small chicks out when Yellow Jacket colonies start starving for protein. I have had them go after chicks even when hen trying to defend. Can kill chicks and actually eat them.

Oh, that's just gruesome. Fortunately, I have no chicks.

 

[centrarchid]

They kill by biting. Around her Bald Faced Hornets treat Yellow Jackets in a similar manner but not enough to control. Yellow Jackets seem to be most abundant during drought years.