Housing measures now apply to Northern Ireland and from Friday also to Wales
The requirement to house our birds was announced for Northern Ireland today. On Friday 2nd December it will also apply to Wales. The details of these housing orders are broadly similar to those in force in England. Full specific details can be found for each administration: https://www.gov.uk/animal-disease-cases-england/avian-influenza-prevention-zone-aipz-including-housing-measures-the-whole-of-england https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/news/avian-housing-order-introduced-ni https://gov.wales/avian-influenza-bird-flu-latest-update The ability to keep waterfowl under […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Breed Type in White birds. Breed Type is a term used in exhibition birds to describe the general shape or form of the bird that typifies the breed. Most points (out of 100) are awarded for the different components that characterise Breed Type. On the show circuit, white birds are definitely more popular than other […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Thinking of their feet. The current Avian Influenza housing/netting restrictions for waterfowl may impact on foot health. Build up of Ammonia from faeces in bedding or bacteria in the soil can contribute to drying of webs, callus formation and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial foot/leg infections. Consideration for foot health actually starts from the moment a duckling […]
Avian Influenza on the Pacific Flyway
In our newfound world of pandemic awareness, it seems not even our feathered friends have been spared from pandemic impacts. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has continued its pre-Covid scourge of our world, with detections on nearly every continent continuing for a number of years. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) has been providing […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
We all love eau-de-pond-sludge! That black foul mud that builds up at the bottom of the pond is mostly decaying organic matter; faeces, feathers, uneaten food and rotting plant material. The first we cannot control, unless we keep fewer birds, but with care we can reduce the others. In a planted enclosure or close to […]
Check out our Show Results
Congratulations to Peter Hamill for his beautiful White Call Duck, a worthy Supreme Champion. Waterfowl on the Web 2022
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Biosecurity is for life, not just for Christmas. We all have everyday things to help us up our game. How about using a garden sprayer for wheels? Or a recycled bucket with a lid for foot dips. What tips can you share?
Don’t wait for next Monday, act now.
England Housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds from avian influenza are being extended and will be in force across England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November 2022. This means that, from this time, it will be a mandatory requirement for all bird keepers across England to keep their birds housed and to follow […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Netting of enclosures — the times they are a-changing an old song goes… Bird flu isn’t a myth or a conspiracy. The way we keep our birds is going to evolve and netting a waterfowl collection is worth serious thought. Pros • Prevents predation of birds and eggs • Reduces food bill • Reduces disease […]
Pal-Mates … weekend web tip
Many waterfowl are crepuscular in their feeding habits and movements. They favour the ‘gloaming’ – that half light at the beginning and end of the day. It’s a perfect time to sit and appreciate their behaviour. Free-winged birds are most likely to be doing circuits of your aviary at these times. Taking time out to […]
