"daddy longlegs" in the chicken tractor

[dlswope]

This is my first try at keeping a couple of chickens for eggs. We live in rural Arkansas on a partially wooded lot. It is very hot and dry here. I know that my poor chickens (only two) are having a hard time. we try to keep the tractor in the shade and they have not only their 'waterer' but a dishpan with water in the tractor.

Lately we have noted a huge number of "daddy longlegs" in the tractor. We have taken out all the hay & replaced it, chased out all the ones we could find. Is this a problem? Should we continue to chase them out? I don't want to spray anything in there with the chickens inside! Please help!

 

[bobbi-j]

Why not leave them in there and let the chickens eat them?

 

[dlswope]

That was my first idea also, but the chickens don't seem to be eating them.

 

[Habibs Hens]

That was my first idea also, but the chickens don't seem to be eating them.

they will once they realise they are food

 

[Gallo del Cielo]

Daddy longlegs (Harvestman -Opiliones) are completely harmless. They eat detritus (decaying plant and animal matter). I wouldn't worry about them at all.

 

[muddychicken2]

they are absolutely harmless