Single hen

[Steph101]

When I emptied the droppings tray this afternoon, I noticed a few tiny little back flies running and jumping around the droppings. Never seen this before. I keep the cube spotlessly clean, and give it a good shake every couple of days with red mite powder, diatom, and occasionally, some Stalosan. Needless to say I panicked and scrubbed the cube out with Stardops and hot water, same as i do every week. They get fresh straw most days too. What could it be?

[jackiepoppies]

Fleas

[Steph101]

You're kidding.

Thing is, me and my son checked the girls over and couldn't find a thing. What should I do? Help!

[westleigh]

i dont think its fleas,just little flies we get from time to time,dont worry

[The 3 D's]

Dont worry i have had them before, its nothing to worry about. Fleas are smaller than that...i think!

 

Matt

[Cooks]

try wiping it over with some citronella oil in water when cleaning, this helps as the flies do not like it.

[bluekarin]

I had some too. I think they might be fruit flies.

[FlyingRamses]

I had exactly the same too just today and for the first time and they cleared off once I had cleaned, I am sure they will be back but trick is to just keep it all clean!!

 

I run a blowtorch around the inside of my wooden house as well but not recommended on the Eglu or Cube!!!

[Christian]

A couple of drops of citronella oil on a piece of kitchen roll popped in the droppings tray should sort it out

[Moggie]

I agree with the others, sounds like fruit flies - those teeny tiny flies. I don't thinkg they are a big problem, if you take away the poo and clean out often that should help.

[Steph101]

Fruit flies! Thanks everyone - I knew I'd seen them somewhere before.

[BarbaraJ]

Ah thats handy to know as i've had these before in the wooden coop but didn't think i needed to worry.