POSTPONED to May 28th - Backyard Chicken Crawl

POSTPONED to MAY 28TH - Earth Day 2022 Chicken Crawl - 10 AM - 12 PM Since there's an avian flu outbreak in BC and AB, out of solidarity with poultry farmers, the organizers have decided to reschedule the crawl until the wild bird migration is over. Our new date will be Saturday, May 28, 10 am - 12 pm. The organizers will continue to monitor the state of Avian Influenza in BC and our region. We will continue to consult with government and regional experts on avian flu. We will assess the state of avian flu in our region closer to our rescheduled date and will go ahead with the Crawl only if the risk to flocks are negligible. We have been in touch with the BC Ministry of agriculture’s avian influenza specialist. There are currently no known cases nearby, no major chicken producers in our immediate area, most flocks are enclosed, and to the best of our knowledge, Rossland flocks are in good health. Rossland backyard flocks are currently assessed as being at low risk for infection by avian influenza. Avian flu is however a serious threat to BC poultry farms when an outbreak occurs. For small flock owners, this is a chance to read about and implement good biosecurity habits. More information about avian flu is posted below. Thank you to everyone who contacted us with inquiries about the Chicken Crawl and the risk of avian flu. AVIAN FLU & POULTRY FLOCKS The Canadian Government recommends that flock owners take the following measures to protect their flocks: 1. Prevent contact with wild birds and other animals 2. Keep coops clean & wash your hands, clothing, and footwear before and after handling birds. 3. Spot the signs and report early 4. Limit exposure to visitors 5. Keep new birds separate when entering your flock Signs of avian flu in poultry include: • lack of energy, movement, or appetite • decreased egg production • swelling around the head, neck, and eyes • coughing, gasping for air, or sneezing • nervous signs, tremors, or lack of coordination • diarrhea; or • sudden death Further Reading Provincial contacts in the case of infected birds (note: free autopsy for small flock owners in BC): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-... "Backyard chicken owners have a role to play in preventing spread of avian flu, expert says" https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/backyard-chicken-owners-... Kootenay & Boundary Farm Advisors’ (KBFA) Webinar on small flock health (for meat birds relevant info for egg layers) https://kbfa.ca/livestock-poultry-nutrition-and-health-resources-and-rec... More info? Visit our Facebook event page https://fb.me/e/1q8X4ELoa