Consolidated Kansas

[Katy]

I became a tester for the same reason....trying to find someone to come do it was a hassle.

 

[Ivywoods]

Quote:
I guess if I get my own certification I won't have to worry about that. I am more worried, however, about what else I might drag home with my birds from a show. I've seen some pretty sick chicks at different shows, and NPIP testing certainly doesn't cover everything!

I've got a pretty good eye for some things, and more than once I have requested that certain birds be removed from a show because they were exhibiting signs of different illnesses. It does pay to be careful.

 

[averytds]

Yep, I don't have to worry about finding someone or scheduling and I also don't have to worry about them tracking anything in with them.

The only drawbacks as far as I'm concerned are costs. Some of that gets negated depending on how much the tester would have charged you.

That $30/yr is not prorated. Licenses expire the end of Sept. Say you get certified in June, you pay the full $30. You will have to pay the full $30 again to renew by Oct 1st. If it doesn't matter and you can wait, then wait to start the new year.


You will need to order sealed bands, a looper and the antigen. There's no getting around that. Everything else can be purchased or made. Everything pretty well is reusable except the antigen. It expires every year, only comes in 1000 dose bottles and will run you about $95/yr. The best option to cut down on that cost is to either hire out to test other's birds or collaborate with other testers and split bottles.

 

[Ivywoods]

Hey, that is good to know. It sounds like the antigen could be the most costly part of the whole deal. I will have to call the local extension office and see who (if anyone!) does it around here. The more I learn, the more I think I will go ahead and get certified to do the testing. I remember from years back when I had my birds tested, and it really wasn't that big of a procedure. As much as I am thinking I want to do over the next few years with them, I definitely think it would be worth my while to do.

Is the testing only valid for 90 days? Is there anyway to get the flock "certified" for a year here in KS?

 

[HEChicken]

For what reasons would you need to get your birds tested? I.e., is it only if you are going to be showing that you need the test done? If I am just a backyard chicken keeper, with hatchery stock and local mutts that I keep for eggs, would I need to worry about testing?

 

[averytds]

It's the same test for both the 90 days and the 1 yr NPIP. For the 1 yr all your birds need to be tested, or at least a certain % if you have a lot of birds. Like we usually keep around 40, so all 40 birds needed tested. And you have to agree not to bring in any non NPIP birds or eggs. Keep all your paperwork. That kind of thing.


For the 90 days, it's the exact same test, but it's usually only done on the specific birds you're planning to show or sell. You just test and band those birds.


I don't go test other flocks for other people, just a bird here and there for local kids, but we tested our entire flock twice last year. I was told both times when I submitted my paperwork that all I had to do was ask for my NPIP # and they would give me one because my entire flock had been tested.

I don't feel it's necessary and at least for us there are some things about being NPIP that I don't care for, so I haven't asked for my #. Since I am a tester, it's no big thing for me to just test whenever needed. Usually only once or twice depending on which shows we're going to. If I were having to track down and hire someone else to test every 90 days or even twice a year, well yeah, I'd probably ask for my NPIP#.


HEChicken-Birds in our state as well as every other as far as I know require at least pullorum testing for any birds being shown or publicly sold (think swap/auction) as well as crossing state lines among other things if not for immediate slaughter. Private owner sale to private owner sale, it is not required. Birds bought from hatcheries should be NPIP already and they are supposed to give you a copy of the paperwork when you purchase, if you ask for it. That paperwork covers those birds then for 90 days. Unless you have plans to show or sell birds at a public venue or cross any state lines with them, it really isn't much of an issue.

 

[OzawkieBantams]

Here is my work in progress for my new Pheasants.

6'w x 8' l x 7' t

Now does anyone wanna help me move it?

Daren

 

[1idwillie]

Quote:
You know I would if I could

 

[OzawkieBantams]

Quote:
You know I would if I could

I know ya would

lol

 

[Ivywoods]

Daren- You are a hearty soul building that out there in the snow!

I'm tired of snow. I'm tired of ice. I'm tired of whacking ice out of water bowls. I built 3 cookie tin water heaters this morning. I wish I had done it a month ago.

Go to post #278 for instructions on how to build them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=107951&p=28