Hiya - just trying to get to grips with what is needed as a precaution. I wrote a while back about our situation here and that I have two large runs of 6x4 meters and 4x3 meters. They are mesh but since I last wrote, I put tarpaulin over the whole of them in preparation for any possible bird flu epidemic. Generally the chickens go in those at night, and also go further into separate coops to sleep.
In the normal run of things, they get to go out and run further free range in an enclosed run that simply has poultry netting to keep them from running wild but it has no roof as it is their free range area.
Obviously with the quarantines and precautions I have to keep them in their closed up runs and not out in the free range. I believe I am right about this, right? I've seen people discussing the feed being not outside and mine never is, it is always in the area that is covered. Their water is there as well. So I am not sure if I am being over restrictive or not. Obviously I'd love for them to have their happy chicken life so being able to range makes them happy. But obviously they'll be much happier alive, as will I!
I also plan - as I have a poly tunnel and fruitcage, to maybe give them some time in there to give them a little new space, and dirt and change of scenery - yes these chicks are so spoiled and get so bored when they are contained, they pace back and forth as they are so used to a free lifestyle and so often even when they have their huge outdoor area, they're always looking further afield thinking 'hmmm how can we get over there?' 2 loved to escape to lay their eggs with the goats.
Anyway, want to make sure I am taking the correct precautions - enough to keep them alive and enough to give them a good daily regime which keeps them happy. I'd love some advice. I used to have chickens years ago but never had any issues with bird flu. I lost those chickens back then and only recently re-engaged in chooks again but have no experience with bird flu so help is very appreciated!
Aside from that, what other things. I know I need disinfectant to keep areas clean...if I mostly have mud and dirt outside though, how in the world do I manage that? Anyway, I have it as I prepared months ago for this possibility - just not sure if I am using it right and how others might advise.
I am in Yorkshire by the way.
What else should I need to know?
How long - and I know it is a bit of a string question but any guidance - do these quarantines/measures usually run?
Many many thanks!