Help?? Biosecurity Farmers Fair

[slf_fry]

A few weeks ago I volunteered to man the upcoming booth for local Backyard Chickens, aqlong with my "girls" at a nearby farmer fair. Prior to this I took a chicken husbandry class given by Ohio State Extension and a good portion of the class was on biosecurity. The farmers fair is coming up and since the time I volunteered I have been informed that another member is bringing his coop for display along with some chickens. I was to bring my chickens but nows I am not sure I want to take the risk of exposing my girls to the other chickens and whatever pathogens may be lurking of the other members coop. My girls have never been medicated or on medicated feed. There will also be a local hatchery at the fair. Other concern is that my girls are 19 weeks old and hopefully will be laying soon. What effect will the stress have on the girls.

Question? Will I be known as the crazy, paranoid lady or should I take basic precautions and keep my girls home? I would love to know others opinions since I am a fairly new chicken keeper and there is a wealth of info and knowledge in this group.

Thank you for any and all feedback.
Sandy

 

[purpletree23]

Just my opinion .........I would keep my girls home. If you want to share your knowledge and still bring your chickens I would limit it to 2. Just so they each have company. Fairs are notorious for diseases and stress on the birds. Keep a close eye on them and don't be afraid to tell 'little Johnny' whose parents are not watching him to not put his finger in the cage, not to feed them, not to bang on the cage and stop sticking things through the holes.

Bring your own feed and it might sound crazy but bring your own water for the chickens. Chickens are very sensitive and even a change in water can throw them off for a couple of days. This and other factors might cause a delay in laying. A delay in laying is not so bad. The hens body will be more prepared for the laying process and reduce the risk of prolapse. A healthy chicken is well worth the wait. That first egg will still seem like a miracle. I've had chickens for years and I am still in awe that something so perfect and beautiful exists.

I don't know what the set up will be like. Maybe you will be outside with good air circulation and feel confident that everything that can be done to keep everyone healthy is being done. You be the judge.

Make sure you quarrantine back at home for 2 weeks at least and the clothes and shoes you wear are changed when you get home before you see the chickens you leave at home.

Guess what? I'm a crazy paranoid lady too. Welcome to the club. A lot of us here. (listen for diabolical laugh)

 

[slf_fry]

After much research and input, I have decided to keep my girls at home. I will take a photo board, books and handouts but will not risk my girls getting ill. Too many post on this site with owners chickens coming down with illnesses. Why risk it.