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• Keeper of the flocks free#

TARDIS crew digging in the sand for scratch during lockdown. I worked to the extent of my limits to protect my flock, after that its up the fates. Our little farm was only two counties away from the commercial farms that were affected. I have only needed to put my flock on lock down once, this was the year when the bird flu wrecked havoc in the United States sparking an egg shortage. White Crested Polish and Silkie crew on lockdown.

Keeper of the flocks free#

In 2016 when bird flu was detected just two counties away, my flock was on lockdown for about a month before it was safe to allow them to free range again. Depending on the month (spring vs fall) it could be longer or shorter. Once on lockdown, the flock will generally have to stay in this state till the treat passes. The Kuntry Klucker Crew enjoying digging in a sand box of scratch duirng bird flu lockdown. I will then strictly manage who enters these pens and biosecurity practices before entering the backyard and coops. All my coops have covered runs, they will not come into contact with any wild birds, likewise the wild birds will have no access to the flock.

During lockdown, my entire flock will be confined to their coop and pen. I only reserve this action when the threat becomes imminent. Once the flu has entered my state, I will put my flock on lockdown. I always practice good biosecurity, but during a possible flu impact, I will pay special attention to these safeguards. I will also up my bio security practices. In the same accord, when I return from the feed store, I will change my cloths before I enter the flock environment. Bird flu can easily be transmitted by these means, as I am at greater risk of myself being the vector that brings the pathogen to my flock. Once there are reports of bird flu in private farms or commerical farms within two states from my location, I will start my bird flu watch readiness plans.ĭuring this time, I will allow no one to visit my birds or tour my farm, I will stop selling eggs, and I will cancel plans to adopt any new birds for the time being. Smaug (silver lace Wyandotte rooster) keeping watch over his girls in the backyard. I don’t panic, I will still allow my flock to free range and maintain their coops normally. Once the virus has been reported in the United States, I pay close attention. My flock is most affected by the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. There are several flyways that water fowl migratory birds take that can bring the flu into the country. If it stays in Asia that’s good, if it makes it way out, that’s something to pay attention to. When I hear of bird flu outbreaks in Asia, I pay attention, just being aware that a strain has emerged. Water Fowl are the most common vectors, but it can also be carried via song birds and other wild birds. The pathogen then travels to the United States via “air mail” within migratory bird flocks as they migrate from place to place. There are several strains of bird flu, like the human flu, the RNA is constantly changing and mutating. I will start with detailing to you how I handle a bird flu scare.īird flu strains generally originate in Asia. To borrow a line from The Hitchikers Guide To The Galaxy, step one: DON’T PANIC!!! I agree with Douglas Adams 100%. It is a scary thought for a backyard keeper who considers their flock pets or companion animals.Īlthough the thought of bird flu affecting your flock is scary, I am here to help put a bit of perspective into the equation and arm you with a realistic plan to help protect you and your flock. During a particularly tense scenario, our little farm was two counties away from a large commercial farm that had to euthanize all of their birds. Over the past decade, my flock and I have weathered many bird flu watch sceniros together. Bird flu is a concern and for good reason.

Nothing strikes fear faster in a backyard chicken keeper than the threat of a highly contagious pathogen that could wipe out thier entire flock.