If you're like many modern consumers, you've noticed quite a rise in prices at the supermarket in recent months — and you may have decided to explore alternative ways of putting food on the family table. You may already know that many people have started keeping backyard chickens for eggs and for the occasional contribution to the stew pot, but you may have reservations about this because you've heard of a condition known as avian influenza that's been in the news quite a bit recently. Here's how you can help protect backyard chickens from avian influenza.
Keep Your Flock Separate From Wild Birds
Although it can be tempting to allow your flock to free-range in your backyard, doing so comes with considerable risk of exposing them to health and safety hazards, including catching avian influenza from wild birds. Naturally, you won't want to keep your flock caged up all the time, so provide them with an enclosed run to minimize contact with their wild counterparts. This will also protect them from common predators that may be prowling your neighborhood. Make sure to use good, strong chicken wire for their enclosure and to make sure that you have the top covered so that wild feathered friends can't flutter in.
Keep It Clean
Even if your chicken area is firmly protected against encroachment by wild creatures, paying unfailingly close attention to sanitary conditions both in the chicken coop and in their outdoor run adds another layer of protection when it comes to avian influenza and other biohazards. The water in your flock's drinking trough should be changed every day, and the trough itself should be scrubbed once per week. The floor of your coop should be thoroughly swept once per week for an average-sized flock, and the bedding should be changed at that time as well. Outdoor runs should be thoroughly raked every two or three days.
Practice Biosecurity
Simply put, biosecurity means taking appropriate measures to protect your flock from disease. It could mean wearing disposable foot covers and gloves when you enter your chicken area, disinfecting equipment and tools and keeping them in areas where they can't be accessed by wild birds, and limiting visitors to your property. Keep in mind that the avian flu can be transported on shoes and clothing. The extent of the measures you take should depend on the current level of risk. Your County Extension Office will be able to provide you with real-time information about cases of avian influenza in your vicinity and advise you on what biosecurity precautions to take.
If you want to learn how to raise chickens, talk to a professional in your area.
