[snowdrops]

I went to a local farm shop today to buy some chicken meat, as I arrived there were 3 bantams trotting around!!! I mentioned whilst in the shop how surprised I was to see them free ranging, the chap looked horror struck & said he never thought to keep them in, even though all his meat, laying, & ducks were enclosed. I jokingly said it was a good job I wasn't from DEFRA, he said they come & test every year normally but haven't been as yet

[Chrysalis]

Der!!

So easy to "forget" tha stragglers, I suppose   

[Paul Plots]

Not sure how accurate or reliable this map is but thought the link might be of interest:

http://www.fwi.co.uk/poultry/map-avian-influenza-incidence-across-the-UK-2016-17.htm

[grinling]

Interesting as no reports in the south east.

Probably more sitings when the fields dry out a bit so more walkers

[Willow_Warren]

Interesting update:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/update-on-biosecurity-measures-to-protect-against-avian-flu

Doesn't necessarily affect back yard chickens, mainly based on commerical.

It's going to get very complicated!  I can imagine what all out customer will be wanting and the level of detail.  Goign to be a bit of a nightmare.... (FYI I work in food manufacturing... so thinking of that rather than my little darlings in my back garden).

H

[New shoot]

It is going to be a bit of nightmare for commercial producers 

According to the detailed plan you can get from the link above, supervised access to enclosed outdoor areas, does apply to all, if you meet the criteria.  Page 5 - section C

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/590529/ai-prevention-zone-plans-28_february-2017.pdf

I won't, even if I am deemed to not to be in a high risk area.  I have way too many wild birds in my garden hopping around and without netting the whole thing, no way to keep them out.  My wildlife pond is tiny and doesn't attract ducks or anything, but wild birds drink from it.  I can fence it off but it isn't getting drained as the frogs will be gearing up soon. 

I also get geese and other birds from the nearby river flying over back and forth between their night time sleeping places at the gravel pits and the grassy margins of the Thames and the playing fields either side of it.

Mine can sit it out a bit longer and stay safe 

[Willow_Warren]

The interactive map is here:
http://www.gisdiseasemap.defra.gov.uk/intmaps/avian/map.jsp

I don't think I'll be letting my birds out for a while even though I am outside of the high risk area (but high risk areas are very close to me).

I do want to extend, move (and still cover) my run so need to work out when is best to do this.

H

[Flowerpower136]

Waiting for Wales to say something.
Thinking ahead, is there a way of sanitising grass, that won't kill it?

[ghost61]

Re the grass issue - could you brush bio dri or stalosan over it?  Anyway, what grass?  Mine hasn't recovered from being scratched to death by the hens prior to their confinement!

[Flowerpower136]

Lol!  Beginning of winter when grass growth slows down I take them off the lawn. We have a big gravellled area with mature shrubs, sleeper steps, etc. Lots of interest and great for digging and bug finding, and keeps them relatively clean.  Normally, that would be their winter free range area.
Now the lawn is showing signs of waking up was really looking forward to letting them lose to eat grass again.
Does Stalosan work for avian flu? I use it in the coop and run, but it's not on defras list.  Big area to cover anyway.  Spray would be more practical.
If, if course, it is actually necessary?  I'm finding it a bit confusing. 
Wonder how commercial free range will cope.

[8doubles]

Thinking ahead, is there a way of sanitising grass, that won't kill it?

Nice bit of sunshine ? 

[Paul Plots]

I'm considering covering a patch of ground now so I can harvest the chickweed when it eventually starts growing. That way I can feed my budgies without worrying that it might be contaminated.

[grinling]

is the supervised area netted on top or not? I'm not in a zone with very few birds in the garden (dog and chickens do not allow). I am the only one housing chickens and everyone elses are fine. Mine want out.
I will debris net the lower section of the run due to the rest has plastic sheeting.

[Flowerpower136]

The way it reads at the moment, I'd say probably the range area won't need to be netted if not in a high risk zone.  Be interested to hear others understandings though.
I'm guessing it will become clearer the nearer we get to the date. Best to keep checking.

[Paul Plots]

The way it reads at the moment, I'd say probably the range area won't need to be netted if not in a high risk zone.  Be interested to hear others understandings though.
I'm guessing it will become clearer the nearer we get to the date. Best to keep checking.

I didn't know there had been any change - sounds as if things might be improving slowly.