Author Topic: Avian Flu (Read 6944 times)

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #15 on:** December 11, 2016, 03:59:58 pm »

Quote from: in the hills on December 11, 2016, 09:49:13 am

Yes, WBF. Applies to all poultry keepers, even if you only keep a few.

Not sure how much action DEFRA would take at the moment. I have read £5000 fine is possible.

If they are already in runs can you cover in some way. It's to stop bird poo falling into the run. Also wire on run should be small enough not to let wild birds enter.

We still have some work to do on one of our runs. Try not to worry about it. Everyone is in the same situation. Just make a start.

yes I could cover the top part of the run and leave the sides open?

The mesh is fine but still lets wild bird poop through.

Eve · « **Reply #16 on:** December 11, 2016, 04:31:16 pm »

WBF, what exactly do you mean - how open is open?
Do you have any fruit netting, greenhouse shading, landscape fabric, tarpaulins (might need to add tent pegs, we did anyway), sheets of plastic...? Do you have any outbuildings?

Yes, the fine is up to £5,000, btw, and up to 3 months in prison, and that's per offence. It's on Defra's website.

I do hope we don't get an outbreak, we live somewhere with loads of tresspassers who completely ignore the 'private - no public right of way' signs and are annoying enough as it is.

waterbuffalofarmer · « **Reply #17 on:** December 11, 2016, 04:42:17 pm »

Quote from: Eve on December 11, 2016, 04:31:16 pm

WBF, what exactly do you mean - how open is open?
Do you have any fruit netting, greenhouse shading, landscape fabric, tarpaulins (might need to add tent pegs, we did anyway), sheets of plastic...? Do you have any outbuildings?

Yes, the fine is up to £5,000, btw, and up to 3 months in prison, and that's per offence. It's on Defra's website.

I do hope we don't get an outbreak, we live somewhere with loads of tresspassers who completely ignore the 'private - no public right of way' signs and are annoying enough as it is.

All the outbuildings are in use atm. The runs are enclosed. they are long runs with mesh al;l around so nothing can get in or out through the mesh. I was thinking of covering the top part of the runs with plastic and leaving the sides alone, as although it will be keeping bird excrement out it won't be blocking them from sunlight which they need

Hevxxx99 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 11, 2016, 05:10:09 pm »

That sounds perfect

Eve · « **Reply #19 on:** December 11, 2016, 05:19:33 pm »

Yes, WBF, that does sound like exactly the right thing.

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #20 on:** December 11, 2016, 06:21:32 pm »

Would it be possible to cover with plastic, then the fine mesh? That would stop the wind shredding the plastic?

Creagan · « **Reply #21 on:** December 11, 2016, 08:38:28 pm »

Have just ordered a big roll of scaffold/windbreak netting. Amazon were fairly cheap but obviously it will take a few days to arrive. I've moved the hens in with the ducks in preparation, they are getting on fine which is a relief.

mentalmilly · « **Reply #22 on:** December 11, 2016, 10:45:56 pm »

It makes sense to cover runs to prevent wild birds from infecting your flock but, how long are we to do this and when the all clear is announced, would the land still be a source of infection when the birds are let out to free range again? anyone know?