Chickens and wild birds

[skbucko]

Hi all,
I'm getting my chicks in March and doing a lot of research trying to prepare for my new flock. I want to keep them as healthy as possible. I am an avid bird watcher and love feeding/watching my backyard birds. We have a small lot and I have about 11 feeders to attract as many different species as I can. (My husband says I'm one feeder away from an intervention.) Anyway, I'm wondering if there is any risk or potential problems with having my new flock live in my backyard with so many wild bird feeders. Is there an increased risk of disease, etc.?

 

[Building Bridges]

Hi all,
I'm getting my chicks in March and doing a lot of research trying to prepare for my new flock. I want to keep them as healthy as possible. I am an avid bird watcher and love feeding/watching my backyard birds. We have a small lot and I have about 11 feeders to attract as many different species as I can. (My husband says I'm one feeder away from an intervention.) Anyway, I'm wondering if there is any risk or potential problems with having my new flock live in my backyard with so many wild bird feeders. Is there an increased risk of disease, etc.?

Sarah, I'm no expert but I think I've read a good bit on this site about discouraging wild birds from the chicken yard. I'm sure someone knowledgeable will be along soon to give you a clear answer.

 

[DobieLover]

Hi all,
I'm getting my chicks in March and doing a lot of research trying to prepare for my new flock. I want to keep them as healthy as possible. I am an avid bird watcher and love feeding/watching my backyard birds. We have a small lot and I have about 11 feeders to attract as many different species as I can. (My husband says I'm one feeder away from an intervention.) Anyway, I'm wondering if there is any risk or potential problems with having my new flock live in my backyard with so many wild bird feeders. Is there an increased risk of disease, etc.?

Yes. Increasing the population of wild birds around your chickens will increase the risk of them contracting an avian disease.
I also love watching wild birds. But I made the decision to remove all my feeders when I got the chickens.

 

[Building Bridges]

Hi all,
I'm getting my chicks in March and doing a lot of research trying to prepare for my new flock. I want to keep them as healthy as possible. I am an avid bird watcher and love feeding/watching my backyard birds. We have a small lot and I have about 11 feeders to attract as many different species as I can. (My husband says I'm one feeder away from an intervention.) Anyway, I'm wondering if there is any risk or potential problems with having my new flock live in my backyard with so many wild bird feeders. Is there an increased risk of disease, etc.?

I do know the wild birds can bring external parasites...lice, mites....and I believe there are diseases too. Are you going to free range the chickens?

 

[Folly's place]

I have more space, and have wild bird feeders in areas close to my house (for me!) in areas where my chickens don't have access.
I still have issues with those rotten house wrens invading my coop to eat the chicken feed, and sharing their mites with my flock.
Wild songbirds carry mites and lice, and sometimes other bad diseases that could even wipe out your chickens. They can coexist, but the risk is real too.
Mary

 

[skbucko]

Great advice! I do plan to limit where my chickens go so maybe I can keep the wild birds/feeders in the front of the house and the chickens in the back to minimize interactions. Definitely something to think about and plan for. Thanks for the feedback and insight.

 

[Building Bridges]

Great advice! I do plan to limit where my chickens go so maybe I can keep the wild birds/feeders in the front of the house and the chickens in the back to minimize interactions. Definitely something to think about and plan for. Thanks for the feedback and insight.

Can't wait to see the peeps!!! You'll have to post some pics....

 

[aart]

I also love watching wild birds. But I made the decision to remove all my feeders when I got the chickens.

Same here...more because of cost and drawing hawks even closer.

I do plan to limit where my chickens go so

Keep them in a run made with mesh too small for the wild birds to get thru.