Support your poultry through lockdown this winter
With the current outbreak of Bird Flu meaning that chickens are in a lockdown of their own (as required by law), it is important that poultry keepers follow biosecurity advice and keep their flocks separate from wild birds.
Multiple species of wild birds across England have recently been found to be positive for Bird Flu. This is a highly infectious respiratory disease that can also affect humans. It can be spread to poultry either directly by mingling, or indirectly through faeces, feathers or vermin. Housing your birds is the most effective way to minimise the spread, so it is important to ensure their housing is well maintained and their welfare needs are met.
Nettex have a range of ways to ensure the safety of your flock whilst in confinement:-
- Clean your footwear when tending to birds
- Minimise movement in and out of enclosures
- Humanely control rats and mice
- Regularly disinfect hard surfaces
- Keep their food and water in enclosed areas
- Regularly remove spilled feed
- Rotate feeding times so wild birds don’t congregate
- Keep poultry away from other wildlife
- Fence off areas of standing water
- Provide fresh bedding to keep them warm as temperatures drop
- Prevent boredom by providing enrichment
- Supplement their drinking water with vit boost tonic
- Use ground sanitising powder to remove bacteria
- Use anti-feather pecking spray to protect them whilst confined
You could also add Life-Guard to their water to support the immune system, or feed seaweed to ensure they receive their full range of vitamins and minerals for healthy birds. Remember to keep an eye out for signs of disease in your flock and to notify Defra if you suspect Bird Flu is present.