FLOCKDOWN 2022-2023

Avian Flu

It’s already been 5 months since our free ranging birds were put on flockdown, so naturally many of our shoppers are asking us when the Avian Influenza restrictions will be lifted.

Rather than let you read to the bottom of this page to find the answer, we’ll spare you some time.

We simply do not know right now!!!!!

An Avian influenza Prevention Zone was declared across Great Britain on the 17th October 2022 making it a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures.

In 2021-22, we experienced a housing order which lasted from late November until 2nd May, so it looks likely that we have several more months to endure before our birds can free range again.

To date, there have been 275 cases of AI in England since 1st October 2022, with more cases being confirmed each day.

Therefore it’s vital that you comply with the current restrictions in order to keep your birds safe and to protect against the spread of disease.

There is still over-riding concern that Avian Influenza may become endemic in domestic non-migratory wild bird population, which would give the disease a permanent foothold in the country. This would mean that AI would no longer be tied to the waterfowl migration season and instead be here all year round.

It remains vitally important we keep backyard and commercial hens safe, by protecting them from wild birds. We are continuing to stay in close contact with DEFRA to gauge the situation over the coming months.

Our Eggs are currently classified as Barn Laid Eggs

So in the meantime – our ladies at Acres Down Farm wish you a Happy Easter and for the youngster in the family follow the link from THE BRITISH HEN WELFARE TRUST to make a EASTER POM POM CHICK!

https://www.bhwt.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/make-a-chicken-pom-pom-worksheet.pdf