Straight From The Horses Mouth

There seems to be a lot of confusion over Bird Flu 

Firstly there is no need to panic there has not been any reported cases in the UK, its all kicking off in Europe, but because we are in bird migratory season there is a risk it could be brought to the UK.

Defra have publicised guidelines for anyone who keeps poultry or captive birds to follow.

Here is a link Defra Guidelines 

Keeping it simple, either shut your poultry into a building, shed hen house what ever and secure it so wild birds cannot get in.

If you cannot shut them in you can net an enclosed run, 

 This is the run I netted yesterday with fruit cage netting

 the whole run is now bird proofed, but its not finished, wild birds poop and will perch on top of runs and the poop falls into the run, so the top of the run has to be covered with tarpaulin or something similar, this will be done at the week end when Martin is home.

Next is what Defra refer to as Bio Hazard  prevention

Simple

 A container with disinfectant to dip your feet in when entering the poultry area or house and again when leaving.

 This is the one I am using, we had it from when we had Alpacas issues earlier this year.

If your property is accessed by vehicles you should also put down Bio mats for them to drive over, I have put one up by our entrance.

The Doves do not have to be restricted as Bird Flu doesn't effect pigeons or doves, so they say but I might just net them back in this week end. As mummy dove is sitting tight on eggs now.

 While 3 expectant dads look on.

 I am not topping up bird feeders now, I don't want to encourage wild birds into the area any more than I have to.

Oh and if you read the Defra notice you will see this 

Breach of controls is an offence, with a penalty of up to £5,000 on summary conviction and up to 3 months’ imprisonment per offence.

I hope everyone is sensible and takes measures to reduce risks of infection, its the only way to keep it from the UK. 

Everyone who keeps poultry is responsible for doing there bit.

Diary

8th December 1982

Telecom phoned to asses work done on phone, 

Baked 3 batches of bread, 3 quiches, 24 mince pies, 18 sausage rolls.

John cut panes of glass and fitted.

Set up pressure washer for cleaning out the calf house.

Finished off paperwork for solicitor.

Had letter and xmas card from mother and a card from Grace.

finished off my cards, wrapped some presents.

I also wrote to solicitor to hold everything until New Year.

Heavy hail storm during the day.