How To Protect Your Hens From Bird Flu

At PHP we have an interest in your feathered friends too. We are very fortunate to have vets who have undergone additional training in chicken health and are a member of ‘The Chicken Vet’. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns over your birds and we will be happy to advise.

The Chicken Vet Logo

Unfortunately, with the rise of bird flu cases across the country, there is a need to implement some measures to protect your birds.

Some ideas to protect our hens include:

  • Cover enclosures to prevent any bird or vermin contamination (tarpaulins can work well here)
  • Introduce biosecurity measures such as the use of foot dips on entry and exit
  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling hens.
  • Use different footwear to enter enclosures, such as wellies which can be easily disinfected.
  • Isolate any new birds for a minimum of 2 weeks, observing closely for signs of illness.
  • Clean and disinfect poultry housing with a DEFRA approved disinfectant (more information is available on their website)
  • Consider use of bird scarers to deter wild birds
  • If free ranging is permitted set up a temporary enclosure with netting to limit wild birds coming into contact with your hens.
  • Remember to provide your hens with some form of enrichment such as hanging treat feeders and toys to keep them entertained.
  • Ensure you have humane vermin control in place if applicable
  • Ensure feed and water is kept undercover and not accessible to wild birds
  • Seek veterinary advice if you have any concerns over the health of your hens and isolate any ill birds and use different shoes/clothing.

*Remember it is now a legal requirement to register ALL poultry with DEFRA, even if they are pets. You will receive regular updates and guidance on any alerts and if bird flu is in your area.

https://poultryregistration.defra.gov.uk/