[Eve]

In Dorset...
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-flu-found-in-wild-birds-in-dorset

[SallyintNorth]

I couldn’t get that link to work but hopefully this one will.  Linky

[Rupert the bear]

I think its time to plan ahead , just in case

[cloddopper]

Polytunnels with small mesh screens at each end  & a disinfectant foot bath by the door seem a sensible quick fix . Plus you'll get some fertilizer , soil  cultivation & pest control from the chickens for free .

[DavidandCollette]

As per last year, I would be loathe to use my poly tunnel that way. It would be so easy for Mr fox to get in and cause carnage. We happen to be in the unfortunate situation of being in a location where the RSPCA take in town foxes, neuter them and distribute them liberally around the area

[Marches Farmer]

.... and they don't have a territory so hang around farmyards waiting to pick off easy prey and getting attacked by the farm dogs or shot by the farmer.  The RSPCA thinks this is a kind course of action because ....?

[john and helen]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-prevention-zone-extended-to-cover-whole-of-england

[Backinwellies]

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-prevention-zone-extended-to-cover-whole-of-england

Yes just seen this .... Guess Wales will join in later today or tomorrow

[Marches Farmer]

Emphasises need for increased biosecurity (e.g. putting feed out of reach of wild birds) but does not say chickens, etc., must be housed as happened last year. 

[PK]

How can you keep feed out of reach of wild birds other than by housing them or confining them to a netted run or similar enclosure?

[Perris]

How can you keep feed out of reach of wild birds other than by housing them or confining them to a netted run or similar enclosure?

I've trained mine to go through a chain curtain, hanging in front of the pop hole of the coop, and I've never seen any other animal go through. So if I put the food and water in the coop, it should be used by the hens only.

[SallyintNorth]

How can you keep feed out of reach of wild birds other than by housing them or confining them to a netted run or similar enclosure?

Food and water in coop. Food only put out for twenty minutes twice a day.

[Backinwellies]

Wales is not following England      Yet !

[Marches Farmer]

Food and water in coop. Food only put out for twenty minutes twice a day.

If you consider a chicken's normal eating pattern this is appears very restrictive.  My free range birds will return to their run at regular intervals to fill up, even though they have a farmyard, field and 150 cubic metre muckheap to rootle around in.

[SallyintNorth]

I agree, but if the alternative is incarceration...