How Do Mosquitoes Affect Chickens?
WouterDespite the fact that they do not like the smell of chickens, mosquitoes do not usually bite them. In fact, researchers have found that mosquitoes do not prefer chickens as hosts. However, there are still ways to prevent mosquitoes from biting chickens.
Mosquitoes are the main vectors of malaria. The mosquitoes that carry malaria, Anopheles arabiensis, are common in Africa. They are also known to bite humans, cattle, and sheep. The mosquitoes usually prefer to feed on humans and cattle outdoors.
Mosquitoes are also known to carry West Nile virus. Studies have shown that chickens are most susceptible to West Nile virus when they are bitten by multiple mosquitoes. However, the risk is very small.
There is also a risk that chickens will be infected with Fowl Pox. Fowl Pox is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the featherless parts of poultry. It causes painful sores on the skin. It can also cause reduced water consumption.
Besides mosquitoes, midges are also a nuisance. They are tiny and they don’t have a proboscis, so they bite. However, they do not carry diseases.
Chickens are omnivores. They eat a wide variety of insects. They also eat seeds, grains, and other food. The chicken’s feathers also provide some protection.
However, they do not protect the chicken from other biting insects. During the day, chickens do not attract mosquitoes. However, mosquitoes do bite chickens during the night. Having a sleeping chicken in your bedroom can help to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
