I keep hearing pros and cons, and people saying they will only buy from NPIP breeders. Are you NPIP tested? Or should I not go about this? Thanks!
I would like to be, but there are pigeons in the same building as my chickens right now, so I can't get tested until I move my birds. I plan to, specifically so I can ship eggs to many more people.
I'm getting my testing done on Saturday morning, actually. I think it's a -really- good idea, to be honest. They test for things that can spread to humans and you really don't want those things in your flock anyway. I think it's a great step toward keeping a handle on infectious diseases in livestock, having to have this certification to ship. I know some people ship eggs without this certification, but it really should be done. I know there are others who are afraid if they get tested their birds will be carted off to be culled but the reality is that those birds endanger the rest of your flock, nearby flocks, and anyone whose flock you visit after your own. If it upsets you to lose the birds I understand, and I will be sad to lose any of mine if they have to take them Saturday, but if you're not doing the certification because of that reason, then you DON'T understand the risk. Though, I certainly understand not doing it because of the cost. The people coming to test our birds want $1 per bird on top of the $25 registration. However, I have to know my birds are clean, for my own peace of mind and the peace of mind of anyone visiting or buying eggs or birds from me. However bad the cost is, think of how much worse it would be to find someone got sick, or you sold a bird that got someone else's flock sick or even dead. No thanks!
My annual renewal testing is tomorrow morning. There are some flaws for sure. Example: Aug. 26, 2010 - We are tested for our annual renewal Sept. 15, 2010 - We purchase birds that are not NPIP tested already. Can we now be considered NPIP certified? The true answer is no, but I'm sure many folks do. Also, they only test birds of breeding age. Apparently some states tell flock owners that they can only purchase eggs from NPIP sellers. My tester says it doesn't matter, they will be tested when she comes out again in one year. In the meantime, I sell chicks from those eggs. Are the NPIP? NO!! So much of being NPIP is a matter of being honest, purchasing birds and eggs from only NPIP certified folks (as long as they are also honest).
I was tested in May. I basically did it so I didnt have to mess with bringing the birds to get tested to show, and so that I could ship live birds.
