Does anyone start over EVERY spring? NPIP process?

[PirateGirl]

In a nutshell, we may be moving across state lines. Due to regulations and me not being NPIP certified on my small backyard flock, my birds *likely* will not be coming with us, so I'm trying to sort out my best options in advance.

Due to a variety of factors, for a few years, we will likely spend winters in one state and summers in another state. Ideally, I'd like to still keep chickens/ducks, but as mentioned, they probably can't move back and forth every 6 months.

Does anyone else start over every spring? I have a friend that does what I am proposing, winters in one state, summers in another. Every spring their family picks up 30 or so started pullets, raises them until December and then sells them off (or something, I've yet to discuss this with him as now is the time of year he lives across the country from me and not down the street from me). Does anyone else do this? Is it worth it? Is it easy to find birds that are already laying or close to it in spring? Is it easy to find takers for the birds in fall/winter (for food or homes)? I probably wouldn't be processing my entire flock myself, but would be ok with someone else doing it. I'm not looking to turn a profit, but I am looking to have fresh eggs all summer.

What about the NPIP process? I've never looked into this. For my situation with a small backyard hobby flock where I'm not breeding, is it worth going through being certified? Do they have to certify my property/facility in both states or are they just certifying the actual birds? Is it costly? Is it time consuming? Should I even look into going down this road?

Thanks! Moving is complicated. I haven't done a big move in over 15 years. It's exciting and terrifying!

 

[R2elk]

In a nutshell, we may be moving across state lines. Due to regulations and me not being NPIP certified on my small backyard flock, my birds *likely* will not be coming with us, so I'm trying to sort out my best options in advance.

Due to a variety of factors, for a few years, we will likely spend winters in one state and summers in another state. Ideally, I'd like to still keep chickens/ducks, but as mentioned, they probably can't move back and forth every 6 months.

Does anyone else start over every spring? I have a friend that does what I am proposing, winters in one state, summers in another. Every spring their family picks up 30 or so started pullets, raises them until December and then sells them off (or something, I've yet to discuss this with him as now is the time of year he lives across the country from me and not down the street from me). Does anyone else do this? Is it worth it? Is it easy to find birds that are already laying or close to it in spring? Is it easy to find takers for the birds in fall/winter (for food or homes)? I probably wouldn't be processing my entire flock myself, but would be ok with someone else doing it. I'm not looking to turn a profit, but I am looking to have fresh eggs all summer.

What about the NPIP process? I've never looked into this. For my situation with a small backyard hobby flock where I'm not breeding, is it worth going through being certified? Do they have to certify my property/facility in both states or are they just certifying the actual birds? Is it costly? Is it time consuming? Should I even look into going down this road?

Thanks! Moving is complicated. I haven't done a big move in over 15 years. It's exciting and terrifying!

The NPIP process is different in every state. Some states make it simple and relatively inexpensive. Some states require a minimum flock size for NPIP. The Bio security required for NPIP can be difficult for a mall backyard flock since every visitor can be considered a bio security threat. It also prevents bringing in any new fowl that is also not already NPIP certified.

As far as starting over every spring, it is very helpful to develop a special relationship with a local that can provide the birds to fit your needs. Started pullets will likely need to be hatched in January to be able to start laying for the summer. You will likely have to pay a premium for them. Because of only keeping them for the summer, it realistically limits you to keeping some of the production breeds.

Good luck.

 

[Mosey2003]

Hmmmm, you talking about Texas? That's the only state I know offhand that makes a big deal about moving birds in. I think you'd be better off maintaining NPIP than getting fresh birds every year. It's going to be more expensive buying started pullets, and you'll still end up going through pullet eggs, and you'll be getting rid of them right in their prime. From what I've found, NPIP isn't really that expensive, usually someone comes and tests a certain percentage of all of your birds and then you're good for a year. It's pretty rare for anyone to fail the pullorum test, too. I was going to do it, but my state is pretty much out of the stuff they use for testing, so that can be an issue.

 

[PirateGirl]

Hmmmm, you talking about Texas? That's the only state I know offhand that makes a big deal about moving birds in. I think you'd be better off maintaining NPIP than getting fresh birds every year. It's going to be more expensive buying started pullets, and you'll still end up going through pullet eggs, and you'll be getting rid of them right in their prime. From what I've found, NPIP isn't really that expensive, usually someone comes and tests a certain percentage of all of your birds and then you're good for a year. It's pretty rare for anyone to fail the pullorum test, too. I was going to do it, but my state is pretty much out of the stuff they use for testing, so that can be an issue.

Thanks. I've kinda been thinking I should talk to the authorities that be about testing as well. hmm...

 

[R2elk]

Hmmmm, you talking about Texas? That's the only state I know offhand that makes a big deal about moving birds in. I think you'd be better off maintaining NPIP than getting fresh birds every year. It's going to be more expensive buying started pullets, and you'll still end up going through pullet eggs, and you'll be getting rid of them right in their prime. From what I've found, NPIP isn't really that expensive, usually someone comes and tests a certain percentage of all of your birds and then you're good for a year. It's pretty rare for anyone to fail the pullorum test, too. I was going to do it, but my state is pretty much out of the stuff they use for testing, so that can be an issue.

All states have regulations pertaining to importing fowl and hatching eggs (actually all animals including your pet dogs and cats). Almost all states require NPIP certification although a few will accept a Veterinarian Certificate of Health. Some states such as Texas also require an import permit if the fowl or hatching eggs are not coming from a recognized hatchery.

 

[Mosey2003]

Good to know. Like I said, I've only seen it mentioned a lot when talking about Texas, so I figured it was stricter.

 

[Kiki]

NPIP is not required to move birds over state lines.
Most states require only PT testing to do so.
What is the other state?
I will send you exact info for both your current one and the other one.

 

[Kiki]

Colorado's import "rules"

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/aganimals/poultry

 

[Kiki]

Check out this page...very neat. There is an option to select different states.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/aganimals/import-requirements

 

[PirateGirl]

Hmm... It's all gonna be a process whichever way I do it. Maybe we'll just move all at once and there will be no back and forth All depends how the job hunt and house build go.