Page 26 - ALG 1.21

chickens
Hygiene for Hens
Once again this winter, avian influenza was detected in both wild and captive birds in the UK and an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone was declared across the UK. In these circumstances,
all poultry keepers are required by law to follow a range of bio-security precautions. Following good hygiene practice every day will help to protect your birds all year round.
Do not allow wild birds to come into contact with your hens. The use of small mesh for all enclosures will help prevent contact with other birds.
Keep the hens’ food and water in a covered area free from contamination by wild birds and other animals.
Food loose on the ground attracts vermin. Use specific food dispensers and ensure all dispensers are cleaned regularly and any spillage cleared up as quickly as possible.
The hens should not be exposed to temperature stress. They must be able to find adequate protection from sun in the coop.
Water must be taken to the chicken coop/run to clean equipment and disposed of on their own plot.
Ensure your own hands, clothes and footwear are clean both before and after contact with your birds.
Watch the flock closely for early signs of distress or disease. Carry out a daily inspection to check that all birds are behaving normally. Contact a vet if you suspect your birds are sick or you have unexplained deaths.
HEN CLUBS
Do any of our members run Hen Clubs on-site, where plotholders take joint responsibility for care of the birds? We would love to hear about how this has worked for an article in the next magazine. Email diane@nsalg.org.uk
26 Allotment and Leisure Gardener