The rapid escalation of the evolving Bird Flu outbreak will be causing bird keepers concern. We have been trying to keep ahead of the developing news and we are dedicated to presenting that information to you in a simple easy-to-digest way.
If you are looking for information about the developing situation as well as solutions for how to protect and house your birds to protect them from Avian Flu take a read of our blog post.
Bird flu is a type of influenza, it is a virus that impacts the respiratory and digestive tracts of infected birds. Bird flu is separated into two categories: highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), we are currently experiencing an outbreak of H5N1 which is the highly pathogenic type.
The Chief Veterinary Officer for the U.K has stated it is 'the largest ever outbreak of bird flu and are seeing rapid escalation in the number of cases on commercial farms and in backyard birds across England.'
What to look for;
Birds that are infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza could exhibit one or more of the following clinical signs: sudden death; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling; purple discolouration; nasal discharge; coughing, sneezing; lack of coordination and diarrhoea.
If you notice these symptoms in your birds or wild birds you can report it to Defra immediately - 03000 200 301.
From Monday 7th November it will be a legal requirement for 'all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size'.
This means that whether you have 2 chickens in your backyard or a large free range-flock you need to take measures to house them in a solid structure. This doesn't necessarily mean a purpose-built building, the regulations offer alternative structures such as sheds or polytunnels, providing they have adequate light and ventilation.
Where it is not possible to put your birds into a solid structured house you must take measures to stop them from mixing with wild birds. This can be achieved by placing them in an enclosure or temporary structure that is covered in mesh with holes no greater than 2-5cm.
Care should be taken to block holes or gaps where wild birds may be able to get in, keeping your birds contained and unable to mix with wild birds is critical.
Bedding and feed must be stored in a sheltered enclosed area and when you provide food and water to your flock it must be done indoors.
Whilst the requirements may seem excessive the Chief Veterinary Office for the U.K has stated that 'Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways from wild birds remain the best form of defence.'
Building a purpose-built solid structure at such short notice is unlikely to be convenient, but with the legal requirements clear there are some ways to achieve maximum protection quickly and cost-effectively.
Our 3 x 2 m polytunnel will offer an enclosed area to your flock, the tall height allows you to walk in and the framework will allow for the easy instalment of makeshift perches etc.
They are in stock and can be delivered within a few working days.
Feel Good UK
Our 3x2m polytunnel will make a suitable alternative to a solid structure to house birds during the Avian Flu outbreak. Our tunnel allows adequate light and ventilation and will help offer protection from wild birds that may be carrying the disease.
Building a solid enclosure may not be possible in such a short amount of time, and depending on materials and the craftmanship needed it may not be financially viable. The legal requirements acknowledge that where this is impossible an 'enclosure or temporary structure' is fine providing it is covered in mesh with holes measuring no more than 2-5cm.
Our walk-in chicken run range will be suitable for this type of defence against avian flu whilst also offering your flock plenty of roaming and scratching space.
Bought to replace a cover that deteriorated over time.Fits perfectly also a pack of fixings included if needed.
Took 3 people about 4 hours to put up but instructions cleat and everything there. Seems very solid and chicks are happy.
3rd one we bought. First had flat roof we bought some years ago. Had a tarpaulin over but after a storm, the weight of water caused it to collapse. The rounder roof shape is so much better. Fairly idiot proof to put up. No problems even for us oldies. We attached the netting to the sides of the chickens shed with battens so it didn't take up space in the run. Quite easy to do. The netting over the roof is harder to do than it looks as the netting is narrower than the gaps between the poles so had to be overlapped. If the netting was a bit wider so the edges could be attached to the poles it would make it a lot easier to put on plus it would not sag at all. Would also have liked two pegs to put in base of legs not one as ground is so soft. Plenty of chicken wire and plenty of zip ties included so have some over. Before having these runs we had to rush home before dark in case of foxes but now if we want to stay out longer, we don't have to worry. Good value for money.
Good value, good communication along with fast dispatch, comes in two box’s. All parts are numbered. Overall an excellent purchase. However the instruction images could do with enlarging, plus the website photos were not the same especially the sloping roof construction section section. If your building it for outside paint it before putting it together.
I got this replacement cover and it fits like a glove its half the price or and new home for the bike well worth it mine lasted 7 years lets see how long lasts
Much bigger than expected but glad It is as my bike wouldn't have fitted in the smaller one (R1200RT) frame was a doddle to put up and I did the cover on my own but an extra pair of hands would have been helpful. Bolted it down and it has withstood a couple of storms with no issues and hopefully will continue to do so.
Great cover over a frame , sturdy construction. Cover is lasting me 3-4 years. Water tight and weatherproof
Many thanks for the great service & getting the replacement cover to me so quickly. The cover arrived yesterday & I fitted it for my 93 year old neighbour. Her original cover was very badly torn and it had got much worse in the recent high winds. It was easy to fit & when I had put it on I asked her to come to the back door to see the surprise I had got for her & she was in tears – it made her so happy!
pleased with product & service
easy to fit over my frame. speedy delivery no problems. Thank you.
Fast delivery when back in stock, easy to fit to frame and fits a treat.
Excellent cover to replace my 3 year old storm damaged one, hope this one lasts as well. Brilliant service by Feel Good UK once again both price wise and fastest delivery. These covers are amazing and so easy to erect and use, I couldn’t do without mine as I get 2 motorbikes in with room to get around both
I use this for my classic mini and it works very well. The replacement cover is great because I can replace the cover using the original frame.
I’d like to congratulate the people that came up with the idea as it’s a bit of screws to put the frame together but that’s it easy took minutes and it also arrived very quickly just in time for spring planting ! Great !
I didn’t realise it came in pieces but that’s why it’s so reasonable I suppose! It took me an hour and it’s so easy I actually loved making it and it’s very sturdy and will last for sure!
