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.
What Is Avian Flu?
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.
What Are The Rules And Regulations For Bird Keepers?
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.'
How Can You Protect Your Flock Against Avian Flu?
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
Polytunnel 3m x 2m
Regular price
$187.00 USD
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$187.00 USD
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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.
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What If I Am Unable To Build A Solid Structure?
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.
Shop our Walk In Chicken Runs
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Mini Galvanised Cage - Walk In Chicken Run
Regular price $187.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per$206.00 USDSale price $187.00 USD
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Small Outdoor Galvanised Cage - Walk In Chicken Run
Regular price $218.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per$249.00 USDSale price $218.00 USD
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Large Outdoor Galvanised Cage - Walk In Chicken Run
Regular price $367.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
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Standard cover
Regular price $75.00 USDRegular priceUnit price per
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Legal requirements for all bird keepers due to the U.K Avian Flu outbreak;
Download PDF Requirments To Keep
Please get in touch with any questions;
Let customers speak for us
Windsor large chicken coop
I've had this coop for a couple of years in its box and I decided to construct it this week
The wood seemed quite thin and flimsy, so I screwed tantalised roof batons to the bottom of the coop to protect the wood in the coop, so it won't be getting damp from the ground
I also put two coats of Sadolin wood preservative on all the panels before I started to screw it together to make sure it was well protected
It was easy enough to put together, and nothing was missing. I didn't like the door catches provided, so I just used them as a door knob, and purchased barrel bolts for the top of the doors and then thumb screws at the bottom for extra security
I lined the litter tray and nest box with flooring vinyl so it's easier to clean, and I added two pull handles to the litter tray so it was easier to pull out. Once constructed I gave the exterior an extra coat of wood preservative.
It's not a bad chicken pen, and it's ideal for the Dutch Gold Bantams I put in there
I.C.
Large Chicken Coop - Windsor
Catio!
This is the ideal structure for the catio we have made it into. Prompt delivery and first-rate service, especially when one of the poles was the wrong shape - the company sent us the right one immediately. Thank you!
Juanita
Small Outdoor Galvanised Cage - Walk In Chicken Run
Excellent buy
Sturdy, easy to assemble and much more sensible than plastic kennels.
Christopher Higgins
Small Wooden Kennel For Dogs
Hexagonal Bird Aviary
The bird aviary is lovely , very pleased on the whole . Easy to put together , clear instructions. However , I feel it could go with being a foot 12” taller to allow you to be able to see into the top without having to bend down . We have made a base for ours to sit on and raise it up .we would have purchased 2 extensions had it not been for this .
Alison Pywell
Bird Aviaries and Extensions - AV02
Lovely aviary
Great aviary - my lovebirds are loving it. And very fast service too. Also very grateful that they've switched the handles on the main aviary to bolts - that saved me a job trying to find some to fit! Thanks!
Sarah Leatham
Bird Aviaries and Extensions - AV02
Happy Chicks
We now have five of these coops. All the chickens like them and they’re easy to clean and assemble.
Nicholas Harrison
Hen House Chicken Coop
Bird Aviary
Very well made and great value for money, very pleased with it.
Jackie Foster
Large Bird Aviary
Absolutely brilliant only 1 thing that the birds must like the taste of the cage cos the eating it
John Dean
Aviary Cage Extension Run - AV02
Aviary extensions
Looks great and easy to install. Ideal for finch's, canaries, and bourkes. I don't recommend budgies as they gnaw it away.
David Smart
Aviary Cage Extension Run - AV02
Happy
Very happy with my purchase of a Bird Aviary and Extension AV02.
My birds are very happy as well, I was wondering if you supplied any kind of winter protection our cover for the aviary for the cold winter months?
But very happy with the customer services postage and the aviary and extension.
Dariko Adam
Bird Aviaries and Extensions - AV02
Waterproof Rabbit Hutch cover.
Perfect, nice and strong not at all flimsy. Initially had problem with order, but can’t fault the service to rectify it, which is rare these days. All in all excellent product and service . Would definitely recommend this company.
R BOWMAN
Waterproof Rabbit Run Cover - Large
Stylish
Very pleased with how this looks as it’s on our balcony with glass all around.
M.M.
Medium Sage Grey Wooden Dog Kennel - Pre Order for October
Hard to order
Tried 4 times to order aviary with one extension and 4 times my money got returned, it was impossible to place an order so I gave up
Shirley Shoat
Bird Aviaries and Extensions - AV02
Best ever home for our Guinea Pigs
Excellent product! Guinea pigs are so very happy! Thank you.
Sharon Russell
Double Height Rabbit Hutch