The Poultry Keeper

Fenn · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 2292 Location: Shrewsbury

One of the dead swans being tested was found in my town (Shrewsbury).

I live within a mile of the river (Shrewsbury's entirely surrounded by river, so it's not difficult to be close to it Confused

). I'm also within a mile of a Wildlife Trust lagoon/bird sanctuary.

My birds (5 backyard hens) are currently out in the back garden. Should I bring them in?

Knobby · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:19 am Post subject:

I think thats a decision only you can make Crying or Very sad

.......Until told to by "the powers that be" !!
Sorry, not much help really

Fenn · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 2292 Location: Shrewsbury

I think I'm going to leave them out this morning, whilst I make their run a bit more entertaining. Then they'll have to come in, at least til there's an all clear.

Something makes me think this might be their last bit of freedom for a while... Crying or Very sad

CP · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:27 am Post subject:

Wait for the results of the testing ...... maybe it died of old age! (we can only hope. Confused

)

Good that you are prepared though. Fingers crossed. Wink

Fenn · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 2292 Location: Shrewsbury

I've changed the thread title cos it looked a bit like I was just worrying in general, rather than having a specific reason for it.

We've got an awful lot of swans in our town and they have to die at some point(!) so hopefully it's just natural causes.

Brings the situation home with a jolt, tho Sad

edited to add: it looks like the dead bird found here tested negative. Not sure if I'm reading it right tho. Clear as mud, it all is Rolling Eyes

CP · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 10:56 am Post subject:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4731050.stm

Still saying it's not necessary to keep them in.

Fenn · Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 2292 Location: Shrewsbury

Cheers for that, CP. I'd read it earlier but wasn't sure if it was the latest info - sometimes the BBC doesn't update as quick as you'd like Laughing

Honestly, i infuriate myself sometimes - I keep telling everyone else not to panic, let's be sensible, blah de blah, then I go and overreact myself Rolling Eyes

Anyway, until I hear different I'll leave the girls out. I'm lucky in that they've got a low run, only 3'. It's just a case of chucking a tarp over the top to keep them 'indoors' if and when the order comes, so at least it's manageable.

Sorry for panicking, normal service will be resumed asap Razz

Seaside Landlady · Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Scotland

I'm exactly the same Fenn, I'm all laid back, blah de blah with other people and then checking up the bird flu sites at least twice a day.. Rolling Eyes

CP · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 11:57 am Post subject:

It is worrying, but I'm trying to stay calm.......! Rolling Eyes

Mel · Joined: 15 Oct 2005 Posts: 150 Location: Gosport, Hampshire

Fenn, I think I'd agree with CP for now and let them have their freedom for a bit longer. The problem we have now is that every time a dead bird is found it is going to automatically have AI. Don't we just love the media!

poultry poofs · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 2:02 pm Post subject:

Changing the subject slightly Laughing

just looked at your website seaside landlady ----what a lovely place you have,I dont think you will ever be short of guests---there thats it thread hijack over Laughing

rich