Dead wild birds

[cldavis1019]

Those kind of runs often have a gap around the door. If a bird got in through it they likely wouldn't know how to get out. Birds are a lot like flies in that way.

Yes and they were starlings. They love to get into places. I just didn’t expect them to be dumb enough to die from not being able to find their way back out haha

 

[Debbie292d]

Yes and they were starlings. They love to get into places. I just didn’t expect them to be dumb enough to die from not being able to find their way back out haha

My apologies to the very few out there who love starlings, but they are famous lice carriers and also are mean to other wild birds. They could also be carrying some other diseases, but H5N1, at least in this part of the U.S., is rarely spread by a songbird, not that I'd call them one. It's mostly waterfowl.

I'd use something like @Al Gerhart suggested lime, or a faster substance but more expensive would be permethrin dust; then after a couple of hours, I'd spray Odoban or some other virus/disease/bacteria killer all over, let it dry for an hour or two and it's safe for chickens then.

 

[NanaK]

My apologies to the very few out there who love starlings, but they are famous lice carriers and also are mean to other wild birds. They could also be carrying some other diseases, but H5N1, at least in this part of the U.S., is rarely spread by a songbird, not that I'd call them one. It's mostly waterfowl.

I'd use something like @Al Gerhart suggested lime, or a faster substance but more expensive would be permethrin dust; then after a couple of hours, I'd spray Odoban or some other virus/disease/bacteria killer all over, let it dry for an hour or two and it's safe for chickens then.

Unfortunately, the USDA has 19 listings for European starling that tested positive for avian influenza.

Avian influenza has now spread to many species of wild birds and many different mammals including house mice.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

Mammals
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/mammals

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I would contact your state department of wildlife. In Illinois any time you find 5 or more dead birds it's recommended to report. If you clear out the bodies make sure you wear gloves and a N95 mask if possible.

Absolutely you should report it AND you should NOT handle the dead birds! Don't assume they died from being trapped. (One might, but FIVE?) They need to be tested. Look at it this way. If they DID die of AI, wouldn't you want to know before you put your chickens in there and lose your whole flock to it? When a simple test could have prevented it? On the other hand, that same test could give you the all-clear and put your mind at ease.

 

[No Coop No Problem]

I would contact your state department of wildlife. In Illinois any time you find 5 or more dead birds it's recommended to report. If you clear out the bodies make sure you wear gloves and a N95 mask if possible.

The only thing they'll do is demand all his chickens be euthanized

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The only thing they'll do is demand all his chickens be euthanized

Only if the birds test positive, right?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

The only thing they'll do is demand all his chickens be euthanized

His birds aren't even exposed yet, are they?

 

[Al Gerhart]

What a horrible response to the earlier poster saying not to call authorities.

First, there were no other chickens in contact with the coop where the dead birds were found.

Second, assuming the existing flock were exposed and were carriers of something the only responsible thing to do would be to test the flock and yes, euthanize them if they were found to be carrying a dangerous disease.

No decent person would wish otherwise.

We do not live as islands but as a community.

Right now the price of eggs is what it is because of the lack of bio security, encouraging people to refuse to contact health authorities when there are signs of an issue that needs investigated is horribly irresponsible.

You advocate risking every single back yard flock in the U.S. with this attitude.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thank you, Al.
Better to sacrifice a single flock than risk continuing to spread this horrible disease.

 

[Al Gerhart]

Thank you, Al.
Better to sacrifice a single flock than risk continuing to spread this horrible disease.

You are welcome. I know that post sounds harsh, but if there is one thing I hate with a passion is people who put their own interests ahead of others knowing they will cause harm. If they can float their boat without causing harm to others, I'll root for them to rise as high as they can.

Refusing to do the right thing and call authorities at the sign of sick wild birds is immoral. We have to be responsible or what happened in California a few years ago will happen nationwide.