Chickens in lockdown – how to cope with Bird Flu

2020 was the year of lockdowns across the world for millions of people. When we got a small chicken coop in our back garden and rescued four chickens from a local battery farm, we had no idea that we would need to put them into lockdown too!

In the UK, there has been a number of confirmed cases of bird flu (also known as avian influenza and H5N8). A useful article on the BBC website suggests the risk to humans is very low, but swift action is needed to contain the virus.

From December 14th 2020 onwards, anyone who keeps chickens either in a farm or in their garden, will be legally required to keep their birds indoors, or take appropriate steps to keep them separate from wild birds.

The best advice I have read is on the UK government website. It contains all the latest updates detailing where the various avian influenza outbreaks are around the country. It also includes advice on how to spot avian influenza in your birds and guidance on the action you can take to reduce the risk of disease in your flock.

For many of us who free-range our chickens in our gardens, this is overwhelming news. Unfortunately this chicken lockdown has come during the winter when, in the UK, we are faced with the worst of our weather. We’ve had torrential rain, gale-force winds, ice and most recently snow.

I’ve read many stories of people frantically trying to cover their chicken coops in tarpaulins, gazebos, poly tunnels and even tents in a bid to keep their chickens safe. Take a look at our article ‘Keeping chickens undercover‘ that looks at each option in more detail.

Currently there is currently no end-date in sight for this lockdown however Defra are keeping the situation under regular review. They have updated their website with additional biosecurity guidance and a very useful self-assessment checklist that can be used by anyone who keeps chickens, whether you keep just a few birds in your back garden or if you have thousands in a farm.

What is the best way to keep your chickens safe?

1. Most importantly you need to keep your chickens away from wild birds.
   • Stop feeding wild birds in the vicinity of your chicken coop
   • Keep your chickens covered to avoid any wild bird droppings falling into the area used by your chickens
2. Keep everything clean.
   • Keep your feeders and waterers clean and don’t give wild birds’ access to these.
   • Clean up any food you or the chickens spill, to avoid attracting wild birds.
   • Clean the coop regularly and use disinfectant.
   • Use a footwash before entering your coop. We find a simple tray filled with disinfectant works best.
3. Don’t introduce any new chickens to your flock
   • If you can avoid adding new chickens to your flock during this pandemic, it is advisable.
   • If this is unavoidable, you should quarantine new chickens for a minimum of 30 days in a location completely separate from your existing flock to ensure they don’t carry the disease.
4. Avoid spreading the disease.
   • Avoid visiting other households that keep chickens and other chicken farms where possible.
   • If this is unavoidable, ensure you thoroughly wash your shoes and clothes before returning to your flock.
   • Limit the number of visitors you have and ask them to use your footwash before entering the area around your chickens.

Overall don’t panic. Yes this is concerning but if you adhere to these simple guidelines and keep an eye on Defra’s guidance, your flock should be fine and will be back to free ranging before you know it.