Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat
Poultry and Pets => The Hen House => Topic started by: chickychick on November 15, 2007, 16:29
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I was out at work today and happened to mention that I keep a few chickens, only to have a lady move away from me and say I should get rid of them if I were you love.
I of course have not the slightest intention of getting rid of my chickens unless a very good reason is given to me, but it was an interesting reaction.
I wonder what kind of impact the bird flu is likely to have if it spreads? (god forbid of course)
Do people with small flocks have to declare them?
should we be doing anything to protect oursleves and our birds?
what kind of effect is this likely to have on buying and selling birds?
How will it effect the price of feeds, eggs etc?
Any thoughts you lot
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Don't know much about chickens myself but I would visit DEFRA website, loads of info on there.
It is compulsary to register flocks over 50 birds with DEFRA. It is voluntary to register if you have less than 50, but I would recommend it as they will contact you with important info/restrictions when things like BIRD FLU occur.
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why is it only people who dont have chickens who are panicking?
if you arent in the zones you dont have to do anything.
defra have asked our area to put them inside or under cover, but im still not worried about bird flu, im still cuddling my chooks and ducks.
im just carrying on as normal, keeping them clean, washing my hands and not eating bird poo.
tell that idiot to go to the defra website
www.defra.gov.uk
and get his facts straight, all that worrying will send him to an early grave, silly man.
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My advice for people who keep less than 50 birds is not to bother telling Defra. Just listen to the news and if you are in a restriction zone have a look on their web site for information.
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as anty says ,dont declare if you have only a few birds ,the restrictions on larger flocks are bad enough .just maintain a good clean system and do as your asked about keeping them under cover and you fine .... :)
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The risk to back yard hens is minute. Wild birds who fly long distances like water fowl could be the ones to spread it when the try to eat your birds feed or grass and poop while dining, so it's best to make sure they are kept out. unless there becomes a really big outbread it is very unlikely to get into other iocal wild birds.
If you are in an outbreak area as Munty says good hygiene and biosecurity is essential.
There's lots on information on their web site
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/index.htm