Lock up your birds

Heard this on news this morning. Link to DEFRA page https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-measures-to-protect-poultry-against-avian-flu

 

Our hens' run is covered and fenced so wild bird and vermin free, but today, unless they get moved to their relatives who also have ducks before movement controls are introduced), I'll be helping some elderly neighbours rig up some tempoarary bird proof fencing for their ducks. We've had some disinfectant, etc. ready since the last scare.

EDIT: Checked and I've got enough fencing to enclose those ducks and some rigid plastic sheeting to cover their feed and water, it's also in our interests to help them as out hens will be the first to be culled if their hens catch something. I'll have a clear out of runs/ houses and get everything to the plot before that gets banned.

 

I've txt'd Loli

 

Mine are back to staying in their coop and run; they'll moan, but it will be worth it.

Good tip @shiney around the disinfectant spray wouldn't have thought of that

@Linz this will be your first time having to think about precautions, so do have a good read of the link Nigel kindly posted.

 

Remember how foot and mouth spread from up top to down south,disinfectant should be part of the job not just for Christmas

 

Our 3 elderly off the lay hens are having a brief holiday break at a relative's under cover hen accommodation whilst I sort out a proper run for our elderly neighbour's ducks who will be temporarily housed in our hens vacated bird proof run as they are too old and infirm to be capable of dealing with it and their only alternative would be to dispose of them.

NB All vegetarians, get some Quorn roast in your freezer ASAP, in case there's an Xmas Chicken/Turkey/Duck shortage and all the meat eaters start buying our veggie Xmas dinner alternatives.

 

Thanks @"M" already done so, I'm on a poultry forum and a few chicken groups

 

I see it only applys to some people that do things right, if you can't be bothered to comply with the rules, then don't have the hens

 

Glad I didn't have plans to let mine out this side of xmas now!

Seen quite a few people saying "The rest of Europe isn't on lock-down so why should I bother" or to that effect, "If we get it, we get it" and a few slightly amusing pics of chooks "indoors" eating off the floor in peoples kitchens! Big 2 fingers up to Defra

 

If people don't bother with the rules and things happen then when it come to companstion i hope they don't get any, those that play by the rules should

 

Livid as I know somebody who is not complying with keeping their Ducks. Chickens, Geese and Guinea fowl indoors. Even worse they feed mostly outside, consequently attracting huge numbers of passing wild birds, especially Gulls.
I am positive they will know about the restrictions in place and it's typical of them to ignore it. I am extremely tempted to alert the powers that be to the situation and see if they take action to force compliance. Hell when the Foot and Mouth outbreak started it cost me huge amounts of time, money, inconvenience and expense to comply with all the regulations but did so willingly as did my friends who have a farm. Keeping some birds inside for a short period in comparison is so very little to ask and it's just inconsiderate to our wild bird population. I might actually let the RPSB know as we live very very close to where they have been releasing Sea Eagles. I don't think they would be pleased to know of someone who isn't at least contributing to stopping any potential spread of disease.

 

Up to a £5000 fine and possible imprisonment. Wouldn't like that so best just get on with it and keep them in. Does anyone think it will stretch beyond the 30 day period?