The order of housing poultry indoors \u2013 being called \u2018flockdown\u2019 \u2013 can easily be confused with the idea that hens have to be shut in their hen houses<\/a> which is not the case and will, for many birds, be a bad compromise on their welfare. What this order actually means is that the hens can be allowed outside into an enclosed run but only if the area is covered over \u2013 think chickens on the veranda! Here\u2019s a breakdown of how to look after your chickens throughout the avian flu outbreak.<\/p>\n Defra\u2019s guidelines for Avian flu control measures from 7 November<\/strong><\/p>\n For the full Defra guidelines for England head here<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> If your hen house has an attached run, then covering the top and half of the sides with something that stops wild bird droppings from falling through is enough to conform to basic legislation. Use either a clear plastic tarpaulin or green horticultural fleece kept in place with bungee cables. However to ensure good welfare much more thought will have to go into how you keep your birds on a daily basis to keep them content in a smaller space.<\/p>\n Convert a fruit cage<\/a> \u2013 moving a hen house into a fruit cage is an ideal location for flockdown offering good space, ventilation and the woody stems of soft fruit will be appreciated as cover by the hens. Make the bottom sides fox proof by encircling them with 3 ft high thick 12 gauge mesh. Lie the same mesh flat on the floor and tent peg it down so that nothing can dig into the fruit cage too as it will act like a fox paw resistant skirt.<\/p>\n Remember that rats and squirrels can bring in disease to your hens as well as stealing the feed. They must be kept away from your hens at all costs. The best prevention is to use rat resistant feeders. My favourite is one by the British company Roam and Wild that hangs up at a height so the hens tip toe to feed. It\u2019s feed gulley closes if anything without a beak tries to access. It\u2019s not suited though to crested hens such as Polands, though.<\/p>\n It is advisable to have a foot dip for your shoes outside the run of your chickens because bird flu can be carried by us. A washing up bowl filled with water and a sachet of the approved disinfectant Virkon S to wash your boots in every time you visit the hens will prevent this.<\/p>\n Hens that are used to free ranging need to be kept well stimulated to avoid feather pecking. Keep them busy during flockdown with a good litter for them to scratch in. If the hens are placed somewhere completely covered and dry, use dust extracted chopped straw \u2013 the brand I use has added eucalyptus. Outside covered runs can be covered with bags of wood chippings and autumn leaves but sprinkle these firstly with a dust of virkon S powder in case of any possible wild bird contamination and rake it through. This deep litter can be composted and is an ideal garden mulch afterwards. Dry greenhouse soil and spent compost is ideal to give to the hens in a deep tray so that they can dust bath which is how chickens keep themselves clean.<\/p>\n Hens can be encouraged to exercise by having a number of perches, use old garden chairs and tables for this. Extra perching space will help the lower ranking hens in the flock\u2019s pecking order escape more dominant birds during flockdown.<\/p>\n Alfa pecking blocks are brilliant enrichment for hens, full of natural protein and digestible fibre. They\u2019ll also assist in keeping the yolks of eggs golden while your hens can\u2019t free range. Allen and pages soya free layers crumble is a good general ration to feed your hens during flockdown because it\u2019s a very fine mash so the birds will be kept occupied for longer while eating.<\/p>\nHow to avoid the spread of avian flu in garden chickens<\/h2>\n
Get a cover for your run<\/h3>\n
![\"""\"](\""https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/18\/2020\/10\/GILLChickens-000777v2_1-75ce5aa.jpg?quality=90&crop=9px%2C1724px%2C2685px%2C1789px&resize=620%2C413"\" "\\"\"\"\\"\/")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div> Could you convert a fruit cage?<\/h3>\n
Avoid rats and squirrels at all costs<\/h3>\n
Invest in a foot dip<\/h3>\n
Make sure your hens are happy and stimulated during flockdown<\/h3>\n
Encourage flapping and perching<\/h3>\n
Avoid feather pecking<\/h3>\n