With winter approaching our thoughts turn to the annual wild bird migration and the impact that this can have on the health of our flock.
As always, avian influenza is the top of all pet hen keepers’ thoughts at this time of year; thankfully at present there have been no outbreaks in the UK this year and, as such, no housing orders are in place.
However, it is at this time of year that migratory waterfowl enter the country which increases the risk of all birds contracting avian flu and therefore it is the responsibility of pet hen owners to ensure good biosecurity is maintained at all times.
What happens during bird migration season?
The bird migration season is awe-inspiring, with birds travelling huge distances to reach the UK in spring and autumn. At this time of year birds are travelling south in search of food and milder weather, with many ending up on our shores.
However, wild waterfowl such as ducks and geese, can be carriers of diseases such as AI, which is a highly contagious notifiable disease.
During the bird migratory season, the UK bird population is at higher risk; in wetland areas where native birds may share space with newly arrived waterfowl the disease can spread into the wider bird population.
What can pet hen keepers do during bird migration season to protect their pets?
The important thing to consider here is prevention. Avian flu is not present in the UK, but biosecurity must still be top of your priority list.
There are simple ways to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy:
- Remove any wild bird feeders from the vicinity of your chicken run
- Keep your hens’ feeders and drinkers undercover
- Clear up spilled feed regularly to discourage vermin
- Disinfect hard standing areas regularly using a product such as Nettex Virocur Disinfectant, which is DEFRA-approved for use against diseases including avian influenza
- Daily coop maintenance will ensure your hens are happy and healthy – Nettex Ground and Bedding Sanitising Powder can be used in the coop and run area to help keep your hens’ environment clean
Keeping your birds in a netted run area will minimise their contact with wild birds and also keeps your hens safe while you are not at home.
Even when avian flu is not a consideration, it is good practice to maintain hygiene and check your birds routinely for signs of illness. Secure rodent-free accommodation and a commitment to daily care is key.
Aside from ensuring good biosecurity, autumn and winter are key times of year to keep an extra close eye on your hens’ health. Often our birds go through a moult around now meaning they divert calcium towards new feather growth which can lead to soft shell eggs. Nettex Mineral Boost is a complementary mineral feed containing high levels of limestone, oyster grit and calcium which can aid egg laying and digestion.
Adding Nettex Apple Cider Vinegar to your hens’ drinking water is also a great way to give them a little extra boost at this time of year, though please be sure you do not use a galvanised drinker as this can cause zinc poisoning in hens.
How can I be notified of AI outbreaks?
Signing up to the DEFRA poultry register will mean that you receive a text message if you live in a high-risk area.
Registration is now compulsory regardless of how many hens you have. You can sign up here.
