[Cat]

Hi

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but how often do you clean out their house? Mine are getting bigger now, they are about 3 months old and I clean out and put fresh hay in every 10 days or so. Their house is very big and it can hold about 12 chickens and we only have 7. I have noticed that there are gnats in their house. When ever I clean the gnats disappear for about 5 days and then they start coming back.

Last night there was a huge noise and when I went to check them it seemed like the gnats were bothering them. I swept them off the walls and I noticed that there was blood.

I have looked at parasites and these are not listed with them and before when I asked about them I was told not too worry.

I don't know if they were bothering my girls or if they were all just restless last night. Do you think it would help if I put one of those zapping lights on at night and see if these gnats will go to it?

Thanks
Cat

[Vember]

Hi Cat

I pick up any big poops daily and give a complete clean every 2 weeks
Presuming it's quite warm with you?

The zapper may do the trick or maybe fly papers that you can hang up in the coop??

Are you able to get any mite type sprays that you could spray the inside with?

Sarah

[Roughlee Handled]

Welcome Cat
Have you looked up Red Spider Mite?
I am not sure if you can get it in Taiwan. But if you can you will have to treat it.
The reason I say this is you mention blood.

You mentioned hay. I do not use hay as it can be dusty and chickens are very susceptible to chest infections.   We use straw or dust extracted wood shavings (used for horse bedding)

In the summer (when it is warm) in the UK I have a problem with gnats/small flys that are attracted to the chicken poo. Could I suggest you place newspaper under the perching area and change it every day, try it for a week and see if it stops the flies.  If you do not have enough newspaper or do not get a newspaper you could us a sheet of plastic and remove shake the poo off once aday, say on your compost heap or garden and replace the plastic sheet.

[Cat]

Welcome Cat
Have you looked up Red Spider Mite?
I am not sure if you can get it in Taiwan. But if you can you will have to treat it.
The reason I say this is you mention blood.

I looked up Red Spider Mites and it isn't the same. These are bigger but smaller than a fruit gnat. If you can understand what I mean. I will change their bedding. They hardly poop in their house. When it rains I notice that there are less gnats. But I will try the zappy machine and the fly paper.

Thank you all for your help

Cat

[Roughlee Handled]

Well Cat I came up with the plastic sheet thing while I was typing your reply I have not used it but will be looking for a suitable piece of plastic when I get home.  The brain it is amazing.