We've have problems with bird flu in the UK too. The government seems to do very little, apart from trying to control outbreaks in commercial flocks. When we moved house, our plan was to have a few chickens in the garden, but ultimately decided not to because of bird flu. We also now try to provide the birds with natural sources of seed etc. with what we plant and grow in the garden and try to minimise supplementary feeding. It's sad to have to do this, almost feels like I'm trying to discourage the birds.
I feel for you, Alan--I'm in the same place. One of the most enjoyable things about living here is watching the birds every morning. I'm willing to reduce the supplemental feeding but I'd really hate to drain the fountain. Sad times...
I quit putting out seed feeders just for that reason. I don't know if it'll help, but it's what I can do. I'm planting food and habitat by returning native plants to my town yard, and I hope that helps too.
Thanks for this, Susan. Yes, I focus mostly on natural food plants and habitat--planting elderberry and sage and honeysuckle. But I worry with migration coming on soon...
I understand. Here's to a good rain or three for the whole Southwest (we're dry here in southwestern Colorado too). And to doing what we can to help the more-than-human world wherever we are.
I was just listening to a news story on NPR this past Thursday on H5N1. Like you, it worries me . I wonder what effects we will see come spring when our migrating birds return. (I have attached the story below).
“We place mobiles of glass beads and crystal prisms”; what a great idea, I some on hand. They will look much better than my paper plates on a string with a drawing of a mean looking bird stick figure. Works well, but it is not very asthetically pleasing . Yes, “birds have wings” and H5N1 can be spread to mammals, and we are mammals…
It is a sad problem. I was at a UK nature reserve the other day and counted 4 swan carcasses, which was likely to be due to bird flu. Some species seem to be more susceptible than others.
So sad, Angie...swans! Yesterday a flock of 20 wild turkeys arrived in the yard, and now I'm wondering how susceptible they are to the virus. I love those big goofy birds, and I hope I don't have to encourage them to move along...
I am wondering if there might be someone with an indoor location like a barn, to take-in your chickens? Perhaps someone who would like the eggs? Sad to hear that you lost the Hermit Thrush. I do love their song!
Good idea, Sandy. I could return them to my daughter place where they came from--but she's having raccoon problems with chickens. My wife says we can just turn them loose and "recycle" them into nature... In the meantime, we'll keep watching for sick birds.
My recent answer to racoons trying to scratch their way though a garage side door (where the bird seed and cat food are stored) was to set up an outdoor camera on it and when I was alerted, I sprayed them with a mild vinegar/water solution in a squirt gun. This has worked. Though I won't be surprised if it requires repeated application.
Worth a try. I dilute the vinegar in case it were to get into their eyes. Even tomato juice (which can be used to clean a dog that's been sprayed) might confuse them?? : -)
It's sad because it's weird that now our pets as well ourselves are in endangered of catching it. My feelings: " No one wants to starve the birds", but at the same time, I know they been surviving longer without me feeding them. And yet if I had to stop...it be sacrilegious.
Constantly watching my feeders and the surrounds for signs of the flu. A sick gull was found not far from here. The second I see a sick bird, down come the feeders 🤞🤞
We've have problems with bird flu in the UK too. The government seems to do very little, apart from trying to control outbreaks in commercial flocks. When we moved house, our plan was to have a few chickens in the garden, but ultimately decided not to because of bird flu. We also now try to provide the birds with natural sources of seed etc. with what we plant and grow in the garden and try to minimise supplementary feeding. It's sad to have to do this, almost feels like I'm trying to discourage the birds.
I feel for you, Alan--I'm in the same place. One of the most enjoyable things about living here is watching the birds every morning. I'm willing to reduce the supplemental feeding but I'd really hate to drain the fountain. Sad times...
I quit putting out seed feeders just for that reason. I don't know if it'll help, but it's what I can do. I'm planting food and habitat by returning native plants to my town yard, and I hope that helps too.
Thanks for this, Susan. Yes, I focus mostly on natural food plants and habitat--planting elderberry and sage and honeysuckle. But I worry with migration coming on soon...
I understand. Here's to a good rain or three for the whole Southwest (we're dry here in southwestern Colorado too). And to doing what we can to help the more-than-human world wherever we are.
Thanks...We need it...only sprinkles since September and soon we enter out fire season. Never seen it so bad.
I really freaking hate climate change.
I was just listening to a news story on NPR this past Thursday on H5N1. Like you, it worries me . I wonder what effects we will see come spring when our migrating birds return. (I have attached the story below).
“We place mobiles of glass beads and crystal prisms”; what a great idea, I some on hand. They will look much better than my paper plates on a string with a drawing of a mean looking bird stick figure. Works well, but it is not very asthetically pleasing . Yes, “birds have wings” and H5N1 can be spread to mammals, and we are mammals…
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5296672/cdc-bird-flu-study-mmwr-veterinarians
Thanks, Lor. Yes, I heard this recently on NPR. It's what got me thinking and researching about bird flu in our area. I'm watching for signs...
It is a sad problem. I was at a UK nature reserve the other day and counted 4 swan carcasses, which was likely to be due to bird flu. Some species seem to be more susceptible than others.
So sad, Angie...swans! Yesterday a flock of 20 wild turkeys arrived in the yard, and now I'm wondering how susceptible they are to the virus. I love those big goofy birds, and I hope I don't have to encourage them to move along...
I am wondering if there might be someone with an indoor location like a barn, to take-in your chickens? Perhaps someone who would like the eggs? Sad to hear that you lost the Hermit Thrush. I do love their song!
Good idea, Sandy. I could return them to my daughter place where they came from--but she's having raccoon problems with chickens. My wife says we can just turn them loose and "recycle" them into nature... In the meantime, we'll keep watching for sick birds.
My recent answer to racoons trying to scratch their way though a garage side door (where the bird seed and cat food are stored) was to set up an outdoor camera on it and when I was alerted, I sprayed them with a mild vinegar/water solution in a squirt gun. This has worked. Though I won't be surprised if it requires repeated application.
Great plan! We don't have raccoons here, but I wonder if your method works on skunks...maybe undiluted 30 percent vinegar! The smell wars!
Worth a try. I dilute the vinegar in case it were to get into their eyes. Even tomato juice (which can be used to clean a dog that's been sprayed) might confuse them?? : -)
It's sad because it's weird that now our pets as well ourselves are in endangered of catching it. My feelings: " No one wants to starve the birds", but at the same time, I know they been surviving longer without me feeding them. And yet if I had to stop...it be sacrilegious.
Yes, Lura, this is my conundrum... And the concern about our pets too. No easy answers for sure. I'll let you know how it goes...
Constantly watching my feeders and the surrounds for signs of the flu. A sick gull was found not far from here. The second I see a sick bird, down come the feeders 🤞🤞