Storms, mould and mozzies are all part of living in northern Australia. But for our feathered friends, this time of year can be a treacherous time. Chicken-lovers are being warned to watch out for warning signs of potentially deadly diseases.
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00:00For Ingrid and Maggie, keeping this group of cheeky chooks in check can be a challenge.
00:11During the top end wet season when temperatures peak and the humidity is unrelenting, it's
00:18not just humans feeling the heat.
00:20We do notice they get hot, sometimes they just lie around.
00:24The Northern Territory's Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Williams, says seasonal change
00:28presents a serious risk.
00:30Probably the most common things we see are things like heat stress, foul cholera, we
00:34see some infectious respiratory diseases.
00:37The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries also on high alert for signs of avian influenza
00:43or bird flu.
00:44In New South Wales and Victoria and the ACT we had an outbreak recently of H7 bird flu.
00:51So far the NT hasn't experienced that, nor the destructive H5 bird flu virus.
00:57Even so, poultry owners are urged to keep a close eye on their chooks.
01:02Keeping those birds, your backyard chickens or your pet chickens away from other birds,
01:09wild birds in particular, is essential.
01:11Protecting them from mosquitoes and mould also recommended.
01:16Keeping birds under shelter, keeping the food dry is very important.
01:21If you notice your chickens acting strangely, like struggling to eat or walk, you should
01:27contact a vet straight away.
01:29Although when it comes to expert advice, Maggie and Ingrid have some helpful tips for keeping
01:34their feathered friends happy and healthy.
01:37Sometimes when they're having dust baths we add water so that they're a little cooler.
01:43And when they're feeling peckish, prawn shells are a hit, especially at Christmas.
01:49But Robert Williams says switching your chook's diet too quickly can ruffle some feathers.
01:54Do that slowly because their gastrointestinal system has to take a little bit of time.
01:59Laying down some expert advice for a fowltastic festive season.