Outdoor Time but Avian Flu

[Bicoastal]

I have keets hatched 4/12. You can check out my thread here. I need to kick them out this weekend. I see recommendations here to take them outside for an hour, then two, etc to acclimate them before fully moving them outside. It makes great sense!

Given avian flu this year, is that recommendation null and void? I’m in VA. I don’t believe we have any reported cases but it’s been reported in neighboring states.

I would love any advice about transitioning them this week and moving them out next week.

They have a lamp and a plate. Temp under lamp is 80. They are in a spare room in the house. Attaching pic of the monthly forecast.

 

[NatJ]

I see recommendations here to take them outside for an hour, then two, etc to acclimate them before fully moving them outside. It makes great sense!

Given avian flu this year, is that recommendation null and void?

As regards disease risk, I don't think it matters much whether you move them out all at once or take them out for short trips first.

I would put them outside in the place they will be living (coop and run), rather than letting them play on the lawn or forage under a bird feeder.

 

[MikeSideChix]

I have keets hatched 4/12. You can check out my thread here. I need to kick them out this weekend. I see recommendations here to take them outside for an hour, then two, etc to acclimate them before fully moving them outside. It makes great sense!

Given avian flu this year, is that recommendation null and void? I’m in VA. I don’t believe we have any reported cases but it’s been reported in neighboring states.

I would love any advice about transitioning them this week and moving them out next week.

They have a lamp and a plate. Temp under lamp is 80. They are in a spare room in the house. Attaching pic of the monthly forecast.

following... where in central va are you located?

 

[Bicoastal]

@MikeSideChix, I have moved them to the coop and decided on no grass time. They took the transition from house to coop fine; I picked a week our temps were finally warmer.

I will keep all of my fingers and toes crossed that avian flu has burnt out by the time they are old enough to free range.

 

[zenstarling]

been wondering about this too from the northeast. I opted to get my chicks outside full days, in a playpen on shavings instead of open to the grass, with some shade fabric and tulle on top so they have some sun, some shade and airflow, and hopefully minimizing potential wild bird droppings from falling on or around them. hoping the same about it burning out in hot weather!