Having a backyard garden party - how to minimize disease risk to chickens

[RGB RIP]

We have a small suburban backyard and a small flock of 4 chickens. They have a 10'x13' pen, but I usually let them free range in the yard. My husband is planning a birthday party for his mother in our backyard in a few weeks. It's our first party since we got the chickens, and I'm worried about what I can do to minimize any risk to the hens. They will be kept in their pen during the party, of course (and asleep in their coop for all but the first couple of hours), but I don't know how much I need to worry about strange people tracking potential disease through our yard - especially now that I'm hearing news of avian flu spreading around the country.

Most of the guests will be older people, and none of them are from farms or keep chickens themselves. But they will still be walking across the yard and patio where the chickens usually roam. Is there anything I can do to disinfect the area before I let the girls out the following day? Something I can use to wash down the patio and yard?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

First off, if they're not around other birds, there is probably nothing to worry about anyways. Wild birds would be more likely to give your flock this disease, then these people.

But if you're still worried.... Here's something to do:

Keep the flock in their pen for at least two weeks to a month, with a rainstorm of two in the meantime. With a hose, wash everything down. Mow the grass and drop the grass clippings somewhere else.

But I really think your flock will be fine. Again, I think wild birds is more of a risk. To protect your flock at best, keep them in a covered run, and wash your shoes before going into their coop. That should prevent disease spread by wild birds.

 

[Mrs. K]

I agree with the above post by Lacy Duckwing.

If they kept chickens they probably are not coming to your house party in their barn shoes or clothes.

As they don't keep chickens, I don't think you get anything. I would wash everything off before the people come, but I would not worry about turning them out the next day.

Mrs K

 

[RGB RIP]

Thanks so much! There's so much conflicting information online, and I always find the people on this site to be really helpful with practical advice.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

As others have said, your risk profile is very low - likely lower than going to your local Tractor Supply during chick days to get feed. Keep the wild birds away (or at least, don't encourage them to visit), don't put a duck pond in your back yard, and don't worry about your non-poultry owning guests.