Preparing for Avian Flu

[Hanathehappyhen]

Hey guys! My county has just had its first verified avian flu case. How are you protecting your flock?

I’ve been feeding wild birds but am thinking of stopping for the winter so more potential carriers won’t be attracted to my house.

How necessary is it to cover the tops of chicken coops and keep them inside?

I’m interested to know what else you guys are doing to keep them safe.

 

[3KillerBs]

With Avian Flu in my state 2 counties over I've put my flock on lockdown inside their huge Open Air coop.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

With Avian Flu in my state 2 counties over I've put my flock on lockdown inside their huge Open Air coop.

Are you covering the top, or leaving it open? And how long are you planning on locking down? From what I’ve read avian flu doesn’t really leave, so does that mean an indefinite lockdown?

 

[deidreg]

My run is covered. I let my hens out, supervised, and blocked their access to seeds I put out for wild birds. So far, so good.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

My run is covered. I let my hens out, supervised, and blocked their access to seeds I put out for wild birds. So far, so good.

What are you covering with?

 

[deidreg]

I have an Omlet walk-in run and a heavy-duty tarp for the top.
https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/walk_in_chicken_run/

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't have the coop page done yet, but you can see my coop in this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Avian Flu doesn't survive in hot weather (I have forgotten the minimum temperature to kill it), and I live in a blistering hot climate so, just like last winter, I expect to be able to let them out again in mid to late spring.

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I have an Omlet walk-in run and a heavy-duty tarp for the top.
https://www.omlet.us/shop/chicken_keeping/walk_in_chicken_run/

Thanks for the reply

 

[Hanathehappyhen]

I don't have the coop page done yet, but you can see my coop in this article: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hot-climate-chicken-housing-and-care.77263/

Avian Flu doesn't survive in hot weather (I have forgotten the minimum temperature to kill it), and I live in a blistering hot climate so, just like last winter, I expect to be able to let them out again in mid to late spring.

Ok, good to know! Btw you have a great looking coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok, good to know! Btw you have a great looking coop.

This thread is very long, but has collected a tremendous amount of information -- not limited to South Carolina.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/avian-influenza-found-in-south-carolina.1507893/