Registry of chick purchasers?

[trudyg]

Today, I went to Rural King and got several chicks. I then went to Tractor Supply and bought some more. In both cases, they asked for my ID and actually entered my information into the system. I asked what that was about and both said it was required by the government. I asked which government, Federal/State/Local? (Our locals have been cracking down on homeowners who find they have a rooster and just turn him out.) Neither of them knew, but Rural King suggested it had something to do with bird flu. I said 'what, are they going to come to my house and inspect it?' and she laughed. Not a laughing matter to me. I value my privacy.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I imagine it is for the bird flu. What state are you in?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'd guess they need to know who has birds and where in case there are more outbreaks. I'm having flashbacks to the end outbreak in Southern California....
*shudder*

 

[trudyg]

I'm in Alabama. But, how would they know my chickens have it unless they come to inspect? I don't usually send dead poultry off for autopsy.

 

[NatJ]

I'm in Alabama. But, how would they know my chickens have it unless they come to inspect? I don't usually send dead poultry off for autopsy.

(I am just guessing here, so I could be wrong.)

If they find birds with bird flu, they may go test every flock that is nearby. Knowing the addresses of people with chickens would let them know who is "near" any birds they find with avian influenza.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'm in Alabama. But, how would they know my chickens have it unless they come to inspect? I don't usually send dead poultry off for autopsy.

If there is an outbreak nearby or if the hatchery that shipped has an outbreak, they might need to locate your flock, unfortunately. HPAI is no laughing matter, either.

And I completely understand your reticence. I'd be alarmed, too.

 

[arizona_chicken_noob]

I almost wonder if they are trying to track how far buyers are transporting chicks / whether poultry bought locally will reside in the local community.

I am also very private but I soften greatly if the goal is public health or science.

 

[raingarden]

Collecting the buyer's information might have been the state's compromise position to avoid a complete ban on bringing in and distributing chicks. They could lock down all interstate commerce in live birds if they wanted to.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I like the old saying..."Nunyah!"