Friday, November 4, 2016

Getting Ahead of Flu Season

 Take all precautions to protect yourself and your birds.
Image result for person getting flu shot CDC
Source: CDC.gov
With fall and winter season upon us, several steps should be taken to fortify your location against disease.  With fall migrations, wild birds will over fly or even rest on or near your location.  Prevent co mingling of wild birds with poultry by exclusion methods and housing.

Hygine should also be strengthened during this period so that germs will not be carried into a poultry area.  Use washable or disposable clothing and footwear when working with birds and disinfect early and often.  The amount of money spent on C&D (cleaning and disinfection) is better spent that what would be endured from an outbreak.

Lastly, protect yourself during flu season.  Get the seasonal flu shot, and wash your hands often, especially after congregating in public areas such as bathrooms and meeting rooms.  Advancements in vaccine technologies have made the seasonal flu vaccine an important protection for all those at risk of the flu.  Always consult your physician should you have questions regarding any vaccinations.

CDC Vaccination Guidance on Seasonal Flu

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Check Watering and Feeding Equipment as Your Birds Age



How you make a presentation counts


photo:
www.avianaquamiser.com
The birds we commonly use for meat and eggs do not have valves in their throats as we do.  Because of this, chickens, ducks and turkeys (to name a few) have to swallow food and water upright or throw the food to the back of the throat in a jerking motion like a woodpecker at a log.  To aid in feed conversion and water spillage, positon trough waterers and feeders lip height at the base of the bird’s neck or slightly higher so that the bird doesn’t waste feed and water standing up.



Nipple drinkers are a special case.  They should be set at the eye of the bird so that the birds jaw is below the level of the pin of the nipple drinker.  This will aid in controlling water spillage from this type of watering system.  Bell type watering systems should be adequately weighted to keep from swinging too much.

Feeders should no more that 1/3 full, and placed with the lip of the feeder even with the base of the neck of the bird.  If using a trough raise the feeder on blocks or similar structure to bring the food up to make it easier for the birds to eat.  Pasture should be long enough for the birds to easily pull on young blades of forage.