Yeah, I was looking at the Iowa HPAI map this morning and saw how McMurray's and Hoovers literally have it at their doorstep. I can't imagine the stress they must be under. I've decided if cases start popping up in Arkansas, I will build a small covered run off the coop inside my big run. I will end up breaking all recommendations for run size but it can't be helped. I would only be able to put in a 20 ft x 10 ft covered & protected run maybe...and I have 56 birds in my coop. But I'd rather have them stressed from being crowded than lose my entire flock!I was reading one article that said to make sure that if you have a run, it has a solid covering, and the fence surrounding your run was covered to prevent wild birds from entering to get to the feed. So... poultry netting it is! Pain in the ars, but totally worth it to protect your flock. We have all invested way too much time, energy and love into these birds to have them simply wiped out. It comes down to this, we do what we can... ALL that we can, and we pray it works. Right now, my county in Iowa is surrounded by it. The hatchery where I got my chicks is surrounded also. And, unfortunately, my DIL's family co-ops with the place that just went positive 2 days ago. They also have a large commercial turkey farm in Buena Vista County. They must test daily and maintain strict biosecurity. This is a nightmare... but, it happens every few years. My main concern is protecting my flock and making sure they are all healthy and safeguarded. I'm trying not to consider how these things will affect an already stressed food chain and inflation. It will drive me crazy. The wild birds that are so accustomed to me feeding them are quite angry with me right now. But unfortunately, they are all public enemy #1 till this is over....
I simply have limited options. The best I can do is try to maximize vertical as well as horizontal space in that area.
I agree...it's just senseless to not be making a concerted effort to find a treatment when it is causing this type of economic damage. And this isn't the first time, right? People who say that the industry doesn't care because they just claim it against insurance don't realize the full weight of starting over. It isn't just the financial cost of the birds themselves...it's time, effort, and other resources. And some of these farms are NOT corporations but family owned for generations. The individual I spoke with does a lot of work with Tyson and with research facilities across the country. He indicated that they are doing some testing in Atlanta, but he wasn't sure if Ivermectin was something they were testing.
And up the vitamin and healthy stuff if they are in a confined area... Hang cabbages, even if they are store bought. Give them pumpkin and cinnamon (high in antioxidant and antiparasitic). The health benefits are CRAZY!!! These things are twofold... Healthy and helps with boredom!! I have added Oregano essential oil to water, to make sure they have some extra protection.
Great ideas! If I end up adding a covered run, I'm also going to try to maximize vertical space and lots of places to break visual contact so they can get away from bullies, if needed.
It hasn't made it to Arkansas yet but I'm sure it is just a matter of time.
@TJAnonymous 
