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Ensuring Compliance Amidst Avian Influenza Risks
As avian influenza continues to challenge poultry farmers, understanding how to prepare your birds for housing orders is essential. The St David’s Poultry Team has implemented specific arrangements to ensure the health of your flock and the safety of surrounding areas. Each region is assigned dedicated vets focused exclusively on avian influenza, performing site visits only within designated protection and surveillance zones.
Key Preparations for a Housing Order
Preparing for a housing order involves several strategic steps. Start by adjusting the opening times of pop holes. This gradual transition will help you observe how birds react and facilitate necessary adjustments to mitigate stress. Ventilation is critical; proper airflow helps maintain both comfort and litter quality. Inquiries about ventilation systems can be directed to your supplier for tailored advice.
As your birds will be spending more time indoors, managing litter quality is equally important. Remove any soiled litter promptly to prevent health issues. Feather pecking can become a concern when birds are housed together, often resulting in injuries. Early identification of this behavior can help implement solutions, such as reducing lighting lux levels to minimize stress and aggression.
Enhancing Welfare Through Environmental Enrichment
Enrichment is a vital component during housing periods. Providing destructible products like alfalfa bales and pecking blocks keeps birds occupied and helps mitigate boredom-induced stress. Ensuring you have enough enrichment to last the duration of the housing order is essential, as removing previously introduced items can lead to increased stress levels among the flock.
Health Monitoring and Nutritional Support
Indoor housing elevates the risk of diseases like Infectious Bronchitis. Maintaining vaccination schedules is crucial, as is offering nutraceuticals to support overall hen health. Consider products like Amino Plus or Herbivit to manage stress and enhance immunity. Regular health monitoring and a proactive approach to managing flock conditions foster better outcomes during these challenging times.
Final Thoughts
As the poultry industry faces new challenges with heightened avian influenza restrictions, adhering to these preparation measures can significantly improve flock welfare and operational success. Poultry professionals are encouraged to remain vigilant and adaptable to ensure the health of their flocks while complying with regulations.
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