Keeping flies away

[Lucylou]

Hi everyone,
Does anyone have any good methods of keeping flies away? I have an enclosed run for my chooks & although I 'poo-pick' every morning the blessed flies are a real nuisance & as I've got a poorly chook at the mo with very runny poo I want to keep them off as much as poss. (The vet told me he had to put a chook to sleep last week which was literally fly-blown, the eggs had hatched in the chooks flesh & were eating the poor chook alive)

I've been told a mint plant might help but by the time its grown big enough to do any good it'll be winter Anybody got any other ideas, environmentally friendly or otherwise!

 

[Anonymous]

Hello

How about something like this?

http://www.farmway.co.uk/equine-2/for-the-horse-22/horse-fly-protection-29/natural-animal-equine-repellent-2096.htm?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=2096&utm_campaign=froogle

Whether you can use this with hens or not I'm not sure though, anyone else know for sure?

I was wondering about the fly issue as well when I was cleaning out the other day. This is my first summer with the birds so I'm still learning. I did read somewhere (I think it was on the Poultrykeeper site) that throwing in some eucalyptus leaves works well to repel mites and lice. I still haven't bought a eucalyptus tree yet but it's on my shopping list!

I'm sure the experts will have some better tips of course!

Jamie