Author Topic: Bird flu is back... (Read 6262 times)

in the hills · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2018, 09:11:53 am »

Interesting that they are saying that the flu has been found in wild birds and not poultry so not appropriate reaction to put measures on poultry.

Has it been found in poultry in England then or are they taking a different stand on it this time around?

in the hills · « **Reply #16 on:** January 19, 2018, 09:17:27 am »

I would be a bit concerned about only providing food for two twenty minute sessions each day.

There's not much nutritious vegetation or insect life around for free ranging birds at this time of year.
Plus they are going to need a few calories to see them through this cold weather.
Birds lower down the pecking order may not get much opportunity to feed.

doganjo · « **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2018, 10:26:53 pm »

I've done this for a number of years for their evening meal - stops leaving any for the rats. I wait till they're finished eating and it's the time when I get the chace to check them and their coops. Their morning meal is put out under the tarpaulin, and if the lockdown is off they get out to free range after they've eaten. They go at it like hammer and tongs!

chrismahon · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2018, 07:46:41 am »

We have it here as well. A low pathogen strain and 2700 ducks were slaughtered as a precaution it said on the news this morning. Worryingly it was in the far Southwest in the adjoining Departement of Landes near Mont-de-Marsan, which is only about 80 miles away.

This is the third year in a row for them.

Dans · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2018, 05:58:29 pm »

We have a covered area with a clear shower curtain across the front, the curtain has been cut into strips so that the chickens can walk through. It puts the wild birds off though.

Dans

Backinwellies · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2018, 05:48:46 pm »

Wales just joined in

New Riverside Farm · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2018, 07:47:44 pm »

wrote on another forum topic but meant to reply on this one:

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!

Perris · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2018, 07:24:18 am »

the govt advise keepers what's needed via daily updated websites; this is the Welsh one, I think it's the same regs as England for this, and it's written in plain English, http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/ahw/disease/avianflu/?lang=en
Last year it went on till April if memory serves aright

madchickenlady · « **Reply #23 on:** February 17, 2018, 10:14:09 pm »

Am rather annoyed, went past a local farm today probably 50 or more hens outside uncovered. We are still in lockdown aren't we? My few birds are all in as I can't see the point in risking mine or anyone else's flocks to bird flu, could anyone confirm that lock down is compulsory - I don't want to blow my stack unnecessarily, bad for my health don't you know!

Eve · « **Reply #24 on:** February 18, 2018, 08:07:40 am »

Quote from: madchickenlady on February 17, 2018, 10:14:09 pm

Am rather annoyed, went past a local farm today probably 50 or more hens outside uncovered. We are still in lockdown aren't we? My few birds are all in as I can't see the point in risking mine or anyone else's flocks to bird flu, could anyone confirm that lock down is compulsory - I don't want to blow my stack unnecessarily, bad for my health don't you know!

We were never under lockdown this year.

If you want confirmation, check defra's website.

bj_cardiff · « **Reply #25 on:** February 18, 2018, 11:27:13 am »

Quote from: madchickenlady on February 17, 2018, 10:14:09 pm

Am rather annoyed, went past a local farm today probably 50 or more hens outside uncovered. We are still in lockdown aren't we? My few birds are all in as I can't see the point in risking mine or anyone else's flocks to bird flu, could anyone confirm that lock down is compulsory - I don't want to blow my stack unnecessarily, bad for my health don't you know!

No we are not in lockdown at all, there are a few simple precautions to take (feeding birds under cover etc.) and you can let your hens free range

madchickenlady · « **Reply #26 on:** February 18, 2018, 02:42:17 pm »

Thanks all for clarifying. My ducks will be very very happy! As will my chickens. I thought it strange that the local farm had their flock out which is why I thought best to check before going off half cocked ( no pun intended)!