sticky aspen sap

[djswett]

Strange question perhaps:

There's a great spot in our backyard where I sometimes move the chicken tractor to; it's shaded by some aspens, and there is a nice fresh breeze.
The other day I was hanging at the spot and noticed that the aspens release a BUNCH of this pretty sticky sap, and so I realized that not only the coop, and the chickens where getting showered by this sappy mist, but also the grass that the chicks play, scratch and eat on is sticky from this sap.
Does anyone know if this is harmful for my little girls?
Should I scratch that spot from the tractor's rotation in the yard?

 

[Imp]

djswett,
Aspen is listed as safe for pet birds here. Couldn't find anything specifically about the sap. I'd be more concerned about the stickiness of the sap. Good luck

http://www.petstation.com/danger-pet-birds.html

Imp

 

[digitS']

I think Imp has it right. Probably nothing to worry much about but aphids in the trees at this time sure can make a mess of things.

The lady bug larvae are in the trees in my yard in mass, unfortunately, so are the aphids. Yesterday, I discovered something disturbing - a lacewing larva eating a lady bug larva. This isn't working out . . . predators should eat prey, there are certainly enuf of them!

Since aspens are fairly small trees usually - perhaps you can wash them off with a hose.

Steve

Aphids in deciduous trees - UMinn

 

[djswett]

Are aphids dangerous for the chicks?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
No, chicks will eat aphids.

Imp

 

[Uppity Peon]

Yes, I suspect the aspens are full of aphids right now. Not a big concern but I might get some bags of ladybugs and see if they can help.