Biosecurity for Backyard Chickens

Adapted from "Backyard Biosecurity: 6 Tips for a Chicken Flock" by Erin Snyder

1. Maintain a Secluded Group

If you haven't come across the term "closed flock," you might be curious about its definition. Maintaining a closed flock involves refraining from adding adult or juvenile chickens to the current group. Rather, the flock is either reduced before new chickens come in (this method is commonly employed when chickens are grown for eggs or meat) or expanded by brooding chicks.

Why Poultry?

There are numerous reasons to rear chicks. You can also utilize your bantam chickens as broodies to grow your flock. Even though many backyard flock owners opt for chicks due to their adorable faces and small size, there are also practical considerations.

Chicks

Chicks do not harbor the same dangerous pathogens (such as coccidiosis, internal and external parasites, harmful bacteria, or diseases). Chicks bought from a feedstore or hatchery have not been exposed to diseases or most bacteria, so introducing those tiny fluffballs to your flock shouldn’t create a health risk.

2. Isolate New Birds

When buying adult chickens, isolate the newcomers to safeguard both the new additions and the existing flock from transmitting diseases or parasites. Isolate new chickens for at least thirty days or longer if health problems occur.

Always prioritize your current flock before tending to newcomers during quarantine. Switch footwear and attire (including coats and gloves in colder conditions) between flock visits. Utilize distinct tools, including feed dispensers and water containers, as well as cleaning supplies for the coop like pitchforks, wheelbarrows, etc.

Prior to welcoming new members into the flock, ensure a veterinarian examines them for external and internal parasites as well as bacteria in their stool. Address any health issues to prevent transmission between flocks. Always confirm that new arrivals are healthy before adding new hens to the flock.

3. Marek's Immunizations

It's understood that mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated chickens will cause illness in unvaccinated hens. Choosing to get vaccinated for this disease is a personal decision. It’s essential for the health of your flock to avoid having vaccinated and unvaccinated birds on the same premises.

4. Steer Clear of Poultry Exhibitions and Trade Events

Poultry exhibitions and swap meets can be enjoyable opportunities to connect with fellow poultry enthusiasts, obtain new birds, or examine a particular breed, but they also pose a significant risk of bringing home diseases.

When going to poultry shows or swaps, always change your attire and clean your shoes thoroughly before taking care of your flock. When returning home with poultry from these events, isolate them for at least 30 days before adding them to the existing flock.

TIP: This quarantine procedure is just as vital for exhibition birds. Although show birds might seem healthy, they may have been exposed to illness and should go through the same quarantine procedures as new arrivals.

5. Distinct Footwear

Before you go to the coop and run, putting on designated "chicken" boots will help protect your flock from contracting disease. Distinct footwear will guarantee that you avoid using the same shoes at the feed store, vet clinic, garden supply shop, or any other place where you might encounter diseases that could jeopardize your flock’s well-being. And you won’t be transmitting bacteria or illness to other flocks, or worse, transmitting dangerous diseases like Avian Influenza to yourself or members of your household.

6. Store Equipment at Home

Not sharing or borrowing equipment is another straightforward biosecurity guideline to adhere to. Exchanging incubators, feeders, waterers, brooder pens, and cleaning equipment is another method through which diseases and parasites transmit from one flock to another.

Keep your equipment at home and don't borrow it from your neighbors to protect your flock.

Although biosecurity may seem like a difficult habit, you can incorporate it into your everyday routine with the help of these helpful hints. It will help keep your flock healthy and lower the risk of disease when combined with a proper diet, less stress, and protection from predators.