In a previous post I mentioned that I’m thinking about getting chickens, but I’m concerned about the avian flu. I’m lucky enough to have neighbors that have chickens. I was able to stop by, see their setup and chat with the Neighborhood Chicken Guy (and Gal for a bit) about his experience and the info that he’s found about the bird flu.
It was a great visit and mostly put my mind at ease. When I mentioned I was concerned about the bird flu, they said they were too. They took some measures like covering the chicken runs with tarps to prevent wild birds from pooping into the runs. This potentially spreads bird flu into their flock. This advice came from the Neighborhood Chicken Guy, though he was just passing along several preventive measures that the state of Maryland advised.
Get More Chickens Because of Brid Flu?
He also said that he was thinking about getting more chickens because of the bird flu. Since the price of eggs and chickens might continue to go up if the bird flu spreads quickly in commercial flocks. I’ve had similar thoughts. Combined with their statements about the chickens clearing out ticks from their yards, I think I’m sold.
I’m not sure when I’m going to pull the trigger, but I’ve added a few chicks to my cart at Meyer Hatchery – 2 Golden Buffs, 2 Black Sex Link, and 2 Barred Plymouth Rock. That’s 6 chicks. Plus they give you a random chick for free and a male chick for free. Seems odd, but ok. The cost of the chick and vaccinations for them is only $33. However, the shipping is $62! Seems like a waste to spend so much on shipping and so little on the chicks. So, I might adjust my order, and/or find another hatchery. The Neighborhood Chicken Guy will probably have advice for me on hatcheries.
A Tricked out Chicken Coop and Run
Now I just need to pull the trigger, and then figure out a coop and run. But I’ll have time to do that after ordering the chicks because they need to stay indoors for the first 6-8 weeks. This continues until they grow to a large enough size that they can go outside.
My neighbor had all kinds of gizmos for his coop. These included an automated door opener, cameras for predators and large feeders, an electric fence, and a run around the coop to protect it further from predators. He had dust baths, insulated blankets for the coops, and heaters for the coops. It was a little intense, so I think I’ll try to just do what is strictly necessary for a beginner to raise chickens and take it from there.
I’m also not a fan of all the plastic of the Omlet coop. So, I’ll opt for a cedar coop. I also mentioned that I’d like to start a Homesteading Group for our community. Also, that I’d give him some fruit tree saplings and blueberry bushes once I get some propagated. He seemed receptive, but was concerned about the deer eating everything. Maybe a tree or two can go in the chicken run?