Bird Flu In Washington- Info and discussion thread

[ValerieJ]

I guess I haven't been paying attention! I thought this was up by Spokane, but I'm rather new to Washington, so I'm not familiar with where all the areas are. I'm in SW Washington and thought it was far away from me.

Our run is covered with bird netting, but small birds can come right through the fence. They are out free ranging in this area every day. I do have a completely secure enclosure for them, which they are in at night. It is an 8x10 coop with a 10x20 run. No birds can get in there, but I think it would be hard for 19 chickens to be so closed up all day. I'm in the forest. We have tons of birds around here. Plus I'm on a river, so we have the water fowl too. I only ever see the occasional small bird in their run, but I suppose it only takes one bird with bird flu to kill off my chickens. Now I'm very worried about my flock. They are so precious to me.

 

[icy_flames]

Is it necessary to completely change clothes, and have a pair of shoes dedicated to the chicken coop?

I've always been pretty good about having a dedicated set of "chicken clothes" I change into when spending time with my flock. The shoes I just started interchanging yesterday. I'm in an urban setting so thought nothing of it walking all around my yard in my chicken boots. Not anymore it's just way too risky. It's a massive pain in the ass with my chicken chores but I'm getting the hang of it.

This flu mess is so stressful. None of my birds are sick but I always have these worst case scenario thoughts of a geese flying over my coop and dropping a turd perfectly angled enough to enter through the hardwire cloth on my coop or run I'm totally nuts.

 

[Weeg]

I just am seeing that there's at least 5 cases in Washington now. Anyone know what counties?

Pacific, Stevens, Kitsap, Whatcom, and Pierce. The farm in Piece county was in Roy, they posted about the process on FB. Encase anyone wants more specific info in that area.

 

[Weeg]

I guess I haven't been paying attention! I thought this was up by Spokane, but I'm rather new to Washington, so I'm not familiar with where all the areas are. I'm in SW Washington and thought it was far away from me.

Our run is covered with bird netting, but small birds can come right through the fence. They are out free ranging in this area every day. I do have a completely secure enclosure for them, which they are in at night. It is an 8x10 coop with a 10x20 run. No birds can get in there, but I think it would be hard for 19 chickens to be so closed up all day. I'm in the forest. We have tons of birds around here. Plus I'm on a river, so we have the water fowl too. I only ever see the occasional small bird in their run, but I suppose it only takes one bird with bird flu to kill off my chickens. Now I'm very worried about my flock. They are so precious to me.

Currently it is in 5 counties in Wa, it all happened so fast. The first case was discovered 2 days ago? And the day after I think that 3 more cases filled in. One more today. I covered my run the day the case in my county was detected. I didn't know until the evening, so I was so glad I did it that day. Its still not super covered or secure from AI, but I should be done with a secure covered chicken tractor by tomorrow. This whole thing is crazy, I hope it goes away soon, and all of our flocks can stay safe.

 

[Weeg]

This flu mess is so stressful. None of my birds are sick but I always have these worst case scenario thoughts of a geese flying over my coop and dropping a turd perfectly angled enough to enter through the hardwire cloth on my coop or run I'm totally nuts.

Me too! It drives me bananas, I always think worst case scenario too. Or if the wind blows my tarps up away from the net, and a goose or duck chooses that exact moment to do some target practice. I just hope it dissipates soon, for all of us.
If my flock got infected, I'm not sure what I would do. I love them all way to much to even think about that scenario.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

I realized that if one of my flock was to get it... all 23 chickens, including the rooster, chicks, hens, etc would be euthanized. AND my parakeets would be euthanized too.

 

[Weeg]

I realized that if one of my flock was to get it... all 23 chickens, including the rooster, chicks, hens, etc would be euthanized. AND my parakeets would be euthanized too.

Exactly. For example, my bantams and all my favorites have been undercover this whole time, but I understand that if the other birds get it, they all get "depopulated".
I didn't know they would euthanize the parakeets too, thats awful!
Not sure what county your located in, but I really hope your able to keep everyone safe.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

Kitsap

Bleep. Bleep. Bleep.

 

[Weeg]

Bleep. Bleep. Bleep.

I hope your able to keep your birds protected, I freaked out when I saw the case in Whatcom. Crossing my fingers for you and your flock.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

I’ve been worried about it in the back of my mind, but never truly stressed about it ’cause it was all on the other side of the country.