Do wild bird droppings cause disease?

[Ellie]

I have bird feeders around and realized that under one feeder is where the girls dig to china it seems to get food. My question is: could they get any diseases from eating this food if mixed with droppings/feathers, etc. from the sparrows and finches?

I am paranoid because one hen has an enlarged crop that I am working on (another post) and am looking for any possibilities that may harm my girls.

Thank you,
Ellie

 

[patandchickens]

Yes.

However, if they free-range, or have a roofless run, or have run mesh large enough for sparrows to get in, they are being exposed to wild bird stuff *anyhow*, birdfeeder or not.

To me, and obviously different people have different 'takes' on this, unless you are being Totally Massively Biosecure in your chickenkeeping facilities, I am not sure how much it makes sense to worry about larger vs smaller amounts of exposure. They will probably get the diseases and parasites that they get, either way, with or without digging around under the birdfeeder

JMO,

Pat

 

[pips&peeps]

Yes,

One of the most common is coccidiosis. Birds can also drop off mites and lice to your chickens.

Try to limit their exposure to wild birds is my best suggestion.

 

[d.k]

*I used to have a real problem w/ wild ring-neck & mourning doves taking over Miss Chook's food. I solved it only by picking up her feeders after giuing her a reasonable amt of time to eat. Then, I 'compensate' the doves for keeping their distance by giving the swept-up tossings from Chook's pen-- on the other side of the yard.

 

[CarriBrown]

pips&peeps :

Yes,

One of the most common is coccidiosis. Birds can also drop off mites and lice to your chickens.

Try to limit their exposure to wild birds is my best suggestion.

Exactly. I've had problems with both, as much as I try to prevent it. Honestly, I think the only thing you can do is keep an eye out for those two things and treat when you have to.​

 

[Settin'_Pretty]

If bird flu ever comes to your flock, that is probably how it will arrive.

I'd keep bird feeders, houses etc. as far away from the flock as possible.

 

[Ellie]

I really appreciate the suggestions. I can fence off the bird feeder from the flock. I will do that soon. The birds getting in their covered run is through the door~ Mostly sparrows.

I will brush up on the coccidiosis and keep a look out for it.

My chickens free range on approximately 2 acres, though they stay close as some of you say, it would be impossible to keep the birds away from each other but I can fence off the finch feeder area which makes sense.

Thanks for the info,
Ellie