The good news is that Defra do not seem to be tracking people who attempt to register for a CPH number and do not complete the questionnaire. It has been nearly 8 weeks now. I have not been contacted. Conversely, a website I was using to look at shirts has been sending me emails pointing out that I have not purchased within 24 hours.
I would like to think that most backyard owners would like to show some collective responsibility in trying to minimise the risk of Avian Influenza affecting all flocks. This can only happen if you are aware there is a potential problem and the only reliable source of information is APHA. I am left wondering just how many flock owners genuinely are not aware of the new regulations that will be coming into force.
[All poultry must be registered on the National Poultry Register by 1 October 2025 – see our May issue of The Country Smallholder. https:// thecountrysmallholder.com/news/ new-requirements-for-all-birdkeepers-to-register-flocks/ ]
Impossible not to know, perhaps not. The news on TV is so depressing that I only watch it intermittently. I do not use Facebook, Twitter or X and rarely buy a newspaper. If it were not for the fact that I have an interest in what is going on and receive the relevant emails. It is possible that I would not know.
Whilst this may be the minority of backyard flock owners, If that minority is in the hundreds then this could become significant. These diseases take advantage of all and any failings of humanity.
Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de The Country Smallholder.
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Esta historia es de la edición September 2024 de The Country Smallholder.
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How to Buy a Smallholding in France- Long-time smallholder Lorraine Turnbull looks at the practicalities of moving to rural France
Aspiring smallholders are continually thwarted by the prices of smallholdings and property with land located within the UK. Even the humblest croft in Scotland comes with a substantial price tag and conditions which would make even an adventurous wannabee consider carefully. But all is not lost. For those willing to take the adventure of a lifetime, there is always Europe, and one of the most popular places is France.
Meet the Bournemouth goats and their supporters
These capricious animals are hard workers preserving the natural habitat
Still warm enough to sit outside with a Pizza
Henrietta Balcon uses fresh figs to create an unusual dish at Harvest time
Goodbye to the birds of spring and summer
If you look and listen you might be able to see them preparing to leave says The RSPB
Get ready for the colder weather in the warmth of late summer
Claire Waring advises on doing the best to make sure your colonies survive until next spring
Preparing the Veg Patch for Winter
Lee Senior says, a well-run plot can excitingly continue to produce good quality, tasty, fresh food for much of winter
Time to prepare to plant your orchard
Wade Muggleton, smallholder and author of The Orchard Book, shares his practical experience so you can create your own fruit collection
Choosing feed for the autumn
As autumn approaches, Joanna Palmer, nutritionist at the Smallholder Range, offers advice on choosing the right feed to support your adult birds through their annual moult and ensure your young birds grow and finish well at this time of the year.
Vet advice from an experienced poultry vet
Reflecting on how much the humble hen has helped people world wide plus advice on stopping the scourge of red mite
Give your hens some support
Paul Donovan looks at the right and wrong ways of handling birds