What it looks like
Visible maggots in wounds or feathers — White worm-like larvae visible on bird’s body, usually in dirty or damp feathers
Open sores or raw wounds — Tissue damage from maggots eating into skin; area may be bleeding or infected
Foul odor from affected area — Strong rotten smell indicating tissue breakdown and secondary bacterial infection
Matted or soiled feathers — Wet, stuck-together feathers from diarrhea, wound drainage, or poor hygiene
Lethargy and weakness — Bird sits still, doesn’t move, appears sick or in pain
Death (sudden, in severe cases) — Maggot infestation can kill a bird within hours if infection is severe and untreated
Likely causes
- Flies lay eggs in wounds, soiled feathers, or areas where the bird defecates
- Poor sanitation and damp bedding create ideal breeding conditions for fly larvae
- Open wounds from pecking, injury, or disease attract flies
- Overweight or immobile birds (especially those with leg problems) are at higher risk because they can’t clean themselves
- Warm, humid weather increases fly breeding season
What to do
Remove the bird to a clean, dry area. Carefully remove visible maggots with tweezers or gentle water rinse. Clean wounds with antiseptic solution. Apply topical fly repellent or wound ointment. Some keepers use Neguvon or Frontline spray (follow label directions). Isolate the bird and monitor for infection. If wounds are severe or infection is present, contact a veterinarian.
When to see a vet
See a vet if your bird shows severe signs or doesn’t improve within a few days of treatment.
Prevention
Keep coops and runs clean and dry. Remove bedding regularly (daily in wet weather). Treat open wounds immediately. Manage diarrhea promptly (loose droppings attract flies). Keep birds at healthy weight to ensure self-cleaning. Use screens on coop windows to exclude flies. Consider fly traps or fly paper during fly season. Ensure adequate ventilation to reduce moisture.
Frequently asked questions
Can fly strike happen to healthy chickens in clean coops?
Fly strike primarily targets birds with open wounds or poor hygiene. Clean coops and healthy birds are much less at risk. However, if a bird is injured or becomes soiled and flies find it, strike can happen. Keep wounds clean and monitor your flock daily.
How fast do maggots kill a chicken?
Severe infestations can kill in 24–48 hours from infection, shock, or blood loss. That’s why immediate removal and treatment is critical. Even a day of delay can be fatal.
What does fly prevention spray do?
Fly repellent sprays (like those containing permethrin or pyrethrins) deter flies from landing on wounds and can kill larvae. Apply per label directions. Always follow safety guidelines for use around birds.
Is fly strike contagious between birds?
No, fly strike itself is not contagious, but secondary bacterial infections from wounds can spread. Isolate affected birds and keep their wounds clean to prevent spread.