One of my pekin hens started the three weekly broody thing yesterday, and when I put her in the broody house it was crawling with earwigs. Elvis the rooster was helping and had a look but didn't want to eat them so I brushed them all off. They're back again, and I've remembered, I think, that they are good for deterring red mite. Am I right, and even if I'm not will it harm the hens if I leave them there ? Also if I am right, any ideas on how I can persuade some of them to take up residence in the main chicken house ?
Earwigs
- Thread starter dawn
- Start date
charlielavin
New member
I have no idea about earwigs being good for keeping red mite away I'm afraid, but I do know earwigs like moisture (not helpful in a hen house!) and olive or even fish oil.
I'm not sure if I've really helped there with that answer!
Charliex
I'm not sure if I've really helped there with that answer!
Charliex
elmwood
New member
Hi Dawn,
I think it was Snifter who has posted about earwigs. I too understood that they are indeed a welcome visitor in the hen house. I caught one the other day and deliberately placed it in the main house. My Broody completely ignored it. Not sure if the diatom has pierced it though?
Don't think it was there on the deep clean this week......
I think it was Snifter who has posted about earwigs. I too understood that they are indeed a welcome visitor in the hen house. I caught one the other day and deliberately placed it in the main house. My Broody completely ignored it. Not sure if the diatom has pierced it though?
Don't think it was there on the deep clean this week......
Davidd
Active member
Hi, earwigs will eat red mite- as well as other bugs- they wont bother the hens- infact most hens will love eating them- i know mine do. Diatom and louse powder, poultry shield and most other red mite treatments will kill earwigs.
regards, David
regards, David
I swear by earwigs and have not had red mite in any of my housing where I allow them to flourish.
I only use Dettol (diluted) to clean out my hen houses since encouraging earwigs and allow housing to dry before putting the earwigs back in the corners. I don't use any other red mite deterrant because as Davidd said, they will kill earwigs. I've found it a great solution having those guys move in.
I only use Dettol (diluted) to clean out my hen houses since encouraging earwigs and allow housing to dry before putting the earwigs back in the corners. I don't use any other red mite deterrant because as Davidd said, they will kill earwigs. I've found it a great solution having those guys move in.
Thanks for the answers. Poor earwigs, I'll be introducing them to certain death if my hens are like Davids, and can only hope they reproduce faster than they're eaten to keep the numbers up.
So far I've managed to avoid red mite in the main house which I've put down to the diatom that smothers everything in there and I can guarantee the hens won't eat that so will stick with that one. Strangely they've all gone from the broody house now, the broody hen stuck in there has probably eaten them to spite me. She's very grumpy at present
So far I've managed to avoid red mite in the main house which I've put down to the diatom that smothers everything in there and I can guarantee the hens won't eat that so will stick with that one. Strangely they've all gone from the broody house now, the broody hen stuck in there has probably eaten them to spite me. She's very grumpy at present
