Backyard flocks not healthy for the birds

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A study conducted last year in Britain says backyard chicken operators aren't doing their birds any health care favours.

It found that, while birds are generally kept in good welfare conditions (a place to scratch, stretch their wings and so on), owners rarely vaccinate the birds to prevent diseases such as Marek's disease, laryngotracheitis and infectious bronchitis, which have all been found in backyard flocks.

It also noted that there is little biosecurity – rodents, wild birds and humans all had access – and most operators don't comply with national regulations banning the feeding of catering waste. Then there's Newcastle disease, caused by feeding chicken meat and eggs back to the birds.

The Royal Veterinary College conducted the study by sending surveys to 65 operations in the city of London. About 30 surveys were returned and policies on dealing with all backyard operations in Britain may be developed on those replies. BF