Diseases at the County Fair

[flyinghenfarm]

Hi,
I was wondering what the % is of going to the county fair and bringing back a HORRID diseases that kills my whole flock. I was also wondering what the % is of winning a ribbion in your first year of showing.
Thanks,
flyinghenfarm

 

[DamselinFlannel]

I don't know if they've broken down percentages.... If you look up the learning center on here, they have a good article on biosecurity. I think some of the measures are a little extreme, but overall, it's good to think about. I doubt you often bring home a horrid disease, but it does happen, which is why I don't bring in chickens from other peoples' flocks after reading so many horror stories. However, before I read the horror stories, I introduced chickens from other places just fine, and never had a problem. But having spent a lot of time and money on my birds, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

As far as the blue ribbon -- depends on the SQ of the bird you have!

 

[Kikiriki]

If you carry something, it will be on your hands clothes or shoes: have a pair of yard shoes that you dont wear out, wash up well after visiting other places, and change your clothes before you go to your animal area and you should be fine yourself, and I guess you could do a mini quarantine for hens you take out on the town.

Many diseases are just out there in the environment anyway, so it seems to me that keeping the chickens healthy is the best defense against anything...stress is probably as harmful to them and their immune systems as it is for us, so having a safe calm area for them is good (no predators). A dirty coop and run is unsanitary and probably stresses their systems. A balanced diet is essential. If the girls are handled and made accustomed to traveling they should have less stress.

Lots of posts about illness come from people who just know their birds enough and pay attention enough to notice when behavior is off, so attention is good, too!

Other than these things, there really isnt much you can do as a preventative, I'd think. I want to read the article on biosecurity...I know my sister did not like other farmers walking around in her animal areas. She said some people have a a wash up station with a shoe wash for visitors!

And good luck if you decide to show! Have a picture of your blue ribbon gal?

 

[Kevin565]

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you joined. Good advice given and if you study up on your poulty project the chances will be good.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

How well you do definitely depends on the quality of your birds. Birds returning from competitions should be quarenteened for at least 2 weeks on returning home.

 

[dreamer5577]

Hi && Welcome!!!

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.