Bird flu forces hens into lockdown

Like us, our hens are facing a long lockdown. This is due to an outbreak of bird flu which sparked a government order that captive flocks be kept in enclosed runs.

The outbreak, believed to have started in Europe, means that we can't let our hens out of their runs at all. We feel awful keeping them locked up as, just like us, chickens feel bored and trapped when stuck indoors.

What is bird flu?

Bird flu (avian influenza) is an infection that occurs naturally in wild aquatic birds and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Wild birds don't usually get sick but the virus is highly contagious. It can kill vulnerable domesticated birds species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

Avian influenza was detected in several places in the UK over recent months. Thousands of turkeys were culled in the run-up to Christmas after outbreaks in North Yorkshire, Cheshire and Norfolk. More cases were confirmed in Warwickshire and Worcestershire when a number of dead swans were found.

Due to the outbreak, our beautiful hens will  be kept in enclosed runs for the foreseeable future.

This has made enrichment our top priority! Our Cornish Chooks have been loving playing with their colourful tunnel, an amazing gift that was part of the Christmas Advent Calendar.

If you'd like to help make lockdown life easier for our hens, head on over to our sanctuary gift shop or donate today.

What to do if you have birds

1. Keep your birds in an enclosed run. All bird keepers in England (whether you keep pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few backyard chickens) are required by law to keep birds indoors except in very specific circumstances

2. Keep an eye on government guidance. The comprehensive advice tells you how to spot bird flu, what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it

3. Register your birds, even if they're only pets. This means the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) can contact you if your area becomes high risk. This is a legal requirement if you have fifty or more birds

What happens next?

For anyone who has, or is about to re-home hens, complying with the regulations is very straightforward. It's a case of keeping an eye on daily developments and sticking to the lockdown rules - something we're all used to these days!

Although it doesn't usually infect people, there have been rare cases of humans infected with avian flu through the eyes, nose or mouth, or by inhalation. The risk of animal-to-human viruses will be explored in the upcoming documentary The End of Medicine, produced by a team including Hollywood actor and animal rights activist Joaquin Phoenix. We're proud to have taken part in the filming and will keep you posted on its release.