Bird Flu and Raising Chickens In S.E. Asia

[Fermentation]

Always wanted to raise chickens in the back yard. However, my GF and I are moving to S.E. Asia soon. Wanted to ask you guys about the Bird Flu risks associated with raising chickens in S.E. Asia. Any Advice help, redirection. Thanks!

 

[Fermentation]

Nothing ;-)

 

[Chicabee19]

I think if you keep your personal chickens separated from other chickens, you will be ok.

Bird Flu would be publicized before it gets your birds, wouldn't you think?

 

[Fermentation]

Nope, I'm in a hot zone! This stuff is completely unpredictable, imagine you're the first case. No one knows the origin, it could start with me and my Chickens, no way to tell. Only 5 cases in my region, but all the cases were fatal. Ironically, my job is helping these countries track this stuff with Software, but we all know how plans work. The problem is that these things are unpredictable.

 

[Chicabee19]

respectfully, if you already knew the answer, what was the point of the question?

 

[Fermentation]

I didn't think I knew the answer and I still don't maybe someone here has experience specifically in S.E. Asia. I'm still looking for help and experience if it's out here.

 

[Chicabee19]

Experience and advice isn't going to change a bird flu scenario if you are already in a hot zone.... unless you keep your birds inside a house and never let them out.

 

[kinnip]

Since wild birds are the vectors, you may be o.k. if you keep them and their feeders under netting at all times, and clean up poo very regularly. Realistically, I think you'll just have to be prepared to lose some and start over periodically. From what I've read, the governments are pretty serious about knocking it out even if they have to confiscate every chicken in the country. I think you should give it a go, if it's really important to you, but I'd try to avoid emotional attachments to the birds.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

At a minimum, I would keep them confined to a run with a solid roof. That's a pretty standard recommendation. Wild birds can still perch on netting supports, above your birds. I wouldn't have perches for wild birds, like trees, right next to the coop, myself. No free ranging. Think about how to not potentially track disease into your coop or run on your footwear. Dedicated footwear or disinfecting foot baths at the door for your shoes are good ideas. You could also build your coop with access doors, so you can reach in to do more of the chores, instead of walking in.

Beyond that, if you take the very best care of your chickens, they will have stronger immune systems. A good diet and as little stress as possible keeps chickens healthier. Things like inadequate diet, running out of water or being bullied in crowded conditions, stress chickens and that suppresses their immune systems.

I'd be looking for recommendations in the country you're going to and also at some of the recommendations in the UK or Europe.

 

[BethinIrving]

Bird Flu. That "stuff" again...

The Orient has taken huge steps to correct the situations that ultimately led to the deadly outbreaks of Bird Flu.

It's my understanding they are monitoring the situation still.

You are braver than I am. If I were on a surveillance team, the only place I'd be looking for chickens would be on other people's property, in the outdoor markets, and lab cages.

You might want to reconsider until the threat is known to be completely in the past. Bird Flu is still being studied and there are questions to be answered yet.

(And don't bring it to the USA when you return.)