In the 6 yrs I’ve had chickens, both free range and confined to a large run, there have been wild birds in and around and no issues w the flock, even in the bird flu years. We’ve never even seen coccidiosis. I am not paranoid about the wild ones, and there is little I could do if I was...
Someone asked about wild birds stealing feed. Yes, they eat some of it, especially when there is snow. But I like the wild birds, and chicken feed is cheaper than bird seed. So they are welcome to steal some of the feed and when there is snow, I put out extra just for them.
And when I go out...
I feed my 13 chickens feed that they like, and they don’t spill it or waste it. They like Purina Flock Raiser. I put it in big dog bowls. That’s it.
I used to ferment feed but it was a hassle in the winter. They got used to dry feed and it makes things a lot easier.