Kenno Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 The government have just announced all hens will need to be kept indoors from 14 December due to bird flu. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55201167 I'm wondering if an eglu and run is classed as indoors? I'm currently assuming so as it keeps the chickens away from wild birds. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiminy Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 We have just read the guidance by Defra on their website which seemed to suggest they would need to be kept in a garage or shed. However we also check Gov.Scot as we live in Dumfries and it states that ideally indoors is best but runs can be netted. The net needs to be 25mm square as a maximum to prevent wild birds getting in. As a must strict bio security needs to be maintained, which you can get guidance from Defra. We have an eglu and run so we will be netting ours. hope it helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LillyChicken Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 I'm of the same view as you, it's ensuring they are 'socially distanced from other birds, which is key. I don't have a shed big enough to keep them in permanently, but they do have an enclosed run; so fingers crossed that is all we need to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 Have a look at this topic please: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cats&Chickens Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 So basically as long as they are in a covered run and do not come into contact with wild bird droppings they are fine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted December 5, 2020 Share Posted December 5, 2020 Yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Girly Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 I’ve just ordered a large covered run. It’s made of mesh, will I have to cover the top? Do birds poop whilst flying? I don’t know. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 If the mesh is small enough to prevent small birds to get in, I think your adhering to the rules. Covering with a tarpaulin will have more benefits than just limit contact with wild birds. It will keep your hens protected from the elements as well. And yes, most birds poop in flight. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 Does anyone know how likely it is to spread ? Ie would it be better to keep my chickens in with immediate effect? I live in Surrey so the nearest outbreak is Kent as far as I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Eggloo Hater Posted December 6, 2020 Share Posted December 6, 2020 Indoors means totally indoors, I'm afraid. That means bringing your girls completely inside,. Eggloos & hutch style coops with run are not classed as an indoor environment...your ladies need be in a purpose built indoor space (or well lit shed), with no access to grass (you will have to supplement their diet with greens & Vit D). I wouldn't second guess this mandate from DEFRA - if your birds get Avian Flu & you get caught with them running around on grass/soil, in eggloo run, you could be liable for the cost of whole the slaughter operation in your area - which will be life changing, believe me. Avian Flu comes back to haunt us every few years. Preparation for this possibility should have been made before you got your hens. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
