Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[thechickenflock]

I have over a thousand unread posts in this thread! Welcome to all the new members!

I have a duck in a bit of a predicament, any help would be greatly appreciated.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/982767/duck-eye-issues

 

[1muttsfan]

Somewhere back a ways I posted a link that discussed viability of the organism in the environment - apparently it can survive and transmit on the wind in a biologically active form.

 

[wannahomestead]

Influenza viruses are fairly fragile in the environment and do not overwinter in soil, fortunately for us all. They do, apparently, have the ability to be carried for distances as an aerosol particle. A few articles for those interested -

http://www.sctimes.com/story/news/l...u-may-spreading-farm-farm-minnesota/70939112/

Please note that this is speculation only - no one really knows what the transmission pathway has been.

Some of the key factors in transmission of flu viruses are the strain involved and the population's immunity to it (these viruses are great mutators and change their type frequently), crowding, air quality, housing (things such as heating/ventilation and feeding/watering), and stress, in addition to many other factors. You can see why a large population of susceptible individuals in close contact with each other and under the stress of crowding and rapid growth could be more easily affected.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/05/us-health-birdflu-funds-exclusive-idUSKBN0NQ1VZ20150505

@1muttsfan was it this stuff?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Somewhere back a ways I posted a link that discussed viability of the organism in the environment - apparently it can survive and transmit on the wind in a biologically active form.

.... But I thought the fact sheet I saw said the virus was killed by sunlight? Ugh I have to go re-read the links I guess. And I just read Canine Flu in Macomb Co. (H3N something) The whole thing just makes me sick. http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/05/21/dog-flu-michigan-macomb-county/27703263/
So I think we need a Graphics person to do up one of these for Chickens. @SillyChicken?

 

[1muttsfan]

Yes thanks, tablets are convenient but not nearly as good as a computer.

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Yes thanks, tablets are convenient but not nearly as good as a computer.

@ me? Please explain.

 

[wannahomestead]

@ me? Please explain.

i think me for quoting the AI links from an earlier post

 

[1muttsfan]

Yes thanks

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Makes perfect sense now!

Ok, I am the last person to advise folks how to walk about on their own property, but I really think that we all should be doing this:

These are *my dedicated coop boots* .... Meaning, I do not wear them in my house, into town, or really anywhere except in my yard and during my Permaculture Pursuits (ducks, gardens). Daily bleach bath. I feel better already!

...And on a side note. One of my family members went on a recreational trip a week or so ago. Near a river, where it is possible that migratory birds could be or have been. Guess where his footwear went immediately upon return? Yep. The bleach bucket/tray.

I think if you feed wild birds, the feeders should be quite some distance away from your home and personal flock too. But like @glambka told us, clean, clean clean. This $2.50 investment could be well worth it.

 

[BigHope888]

@ nickdlny, thank you!

Thanks..

I'm virtually positive I have a nesting pair; I was seeing 2 hanging out together & sunning themselves in some trees at the edge of the woods nearby several months ago. Because of this hawk's behavior I was kinda figuring s/he was hunting for a young'un. Two years ago a youngster hung out most of the summer in my yard & drove me insane with its incessant screeching (& feeble attempts at getting a chicken, squirrel, etc. )

I guess I'm just going to keep the birds in their run for a bit (& supply plenty of green treats to keep,them occupied), keep an eye out & go from there. Boy, they sure hate not getting out to range...they were giving me the evil eye yesterday cuz they couldn't come out during lawn cutting

I acknowledge your hawk problem to be more grave than what I am about to describe. (I had a one-upping ex boyfriend that drove me batty!) So yes, when smart chickens that are used to getting their free range time are denied, they make a fuss! I kept them penned yesterday when I spray-painted an ornamental birdcage, as I do not want yellow chickens. Sweet, silly chickens need a "momma hen" to keep them safe from dangerous hawks even when they can't understand the reason.

I think everyone is a little too freaked out about AI. I think that's the main reason I'm not going to attempt to go to CS- kinda silly this whole situation. It is called a chicken stock. If AI is in MI, we would know.

Sure, yes, I ABSOLUTELY understand concerned for not wanting to harm anyone's flocks. I wouldn't want to harm anyone.

Just my opinion.

It's a fine line to walk, between being cautious and responsible and also having fun and socializing. I'm not going, but that's because the work calendar is packed with requests off and also my bf's birthday is around that time. Maybe next year.