🦆 Understanding Avian Influenza (“Bird Flu”)
Avian Influenza, commonly known as “Bird Flu,” is a highly contagious and fast-spreading virus among chickens. It’s most often transmitted from infected wild waterfowl—especially ducks and geese—through bird droppings, nasal secretions, or contaminated surfaces.
If your flock comes into contact with infected wild birds or their waste, it’s highly likely that your chickens will contract the virus.
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Keep feed and water containers covered and elevated so wild birds can’t access them. This simple step can dramatically reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated droppings.
- 🦆 Understanding Avian Influenza (“Bird Flu”)
- Symptoms of Bird Flu in Chickens
- Symptoms of Bird Flu in Chickens
- Where Herbs Fit During Bird Flu Season
- How I Use My Blends When Risk Is High
- Simple Herbal Routine (Pairs with Biosecurity)
- Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
- Transmission of Chicken Bird Flu to Humans
- 🍗 Can Bird Flu Spread Through Cooked Chicken?
- 🥚 Can You Catch Bird Flu from Eggs?
- 🪶 Prevention of Bird Flu in Chickens
- Keep Wild Birds Away
- Daily Coop Hygiene & Handling
- 🐔 Should I Keep My Chickens In Because of Bird Flu?
- 🏡 Can a Chicken Live Inside?
- How do You Treat Bird Flu in Chickens?
- If Bird Flu Is Detected: Required Actions
- 🧽 How Long Can Bird Flu Survive on Surfaces?
- Herbs & Bird Flu — Common Questions
- 🐔 Conclusion: Can My Chickens Get the Bird Flu?
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Chickens
Depending upon the strain of avian flu virus, it can cause a variety of symptoms in chickens as well as humans. There are two main strains of avian bird flu, H5N1 and H7N9. Its symptoms look different in chickens vs. humans.
What Does Bird Flu Look Like in Chickens?
How do I know if my chickens have the bird flu? Chickens infected with bird flu often have several symptoms(see chart below).
Most chickens infected with bird flu die.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Chickens
For awareness only. If you notice these symptoms, contact a poultry-savvy veterinarian.
| Chicken Bird Flu Symptoms |
|---|
•Cyanosis & swelling: head, eyes, comb, wattle, legs, feet |
•Respiratory issues: mucus discharge, gasping, coughing, sneezing |
•Decreased appetite |
•Depression (lethargy, sitting fluffed up) |
•Decreased egg production |
•Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs |
•Diarrhea |
•Respiratory failure |
•Death |
Where Herbs Fit During Bird Flu Season
Quick truth: Herbs don’t prevent or cure bird flu—biosecurity does the heavy lifting. But herbs can make daily care calmer and more consistent, so you notice changes faster.
- Routine & observation: a gentle, consistent scent helps you spot “off” behavior during chores.
- Comfort & enrichment: light aromatic blends encourage calm foraging and settling in nest boxes.
- Coop freshness: tidy-up days feel nicer with herbal notes instead of “barnyard.”
How I Use My Blends When Risk Is High
1) Warming Herbs for Chickens (cool/cold weather)
- Scratch upgrade: mix 1 TBS Warming Herbs per 2 cups of scratch, 2–3 days/week in late afternoon.
- Why I like it: cozy aroma + a predictable “check-in” time with the flock.
2) Nesting Box Herbs (calm, clean-feeling nests)
- How much: sprinkle 1–2 TBS per nest under bedding on clean-out day; refresh weekly as needed.
- Tip: tuck a small sachet under shavings to keep scent gentle and contained.
3) Cooling Herbs (warm spells & heat stress)
- Summer swap: on hot days, use Cooling Herbs lightly in place of warming blends; keep water fresh and shaded.
- How much: a light sprinkle on scratch or a small sachet hung near (not over) the roost.
Simple Herbal Routine (Pairs with Biosecurity)
- Collect eggs daily; refrigerate promptly; discard cracked/soiled eggs.
- On clean-out day, refresh Nesting Box Herbs (1–2 TBS per nest).
- Offer a Warming Herbs scratch upgrade (1 TBS per 2 cups) 2–3×/week in cold weather.
- Use a small sachet to keep scent gentle; avoid dusty bedding swaps on windy days.
- Log quick notes: appetite, energy, breathing, droppings—patterns matter more than single moments.
What Does Bird Flu Look Like in Humans?
Humans infected with the bird flu often have flu-like symptoms which eventually lead to respiratory failure and death. From the initial symptoms to death it is quick, only taking 10 days.
Half of all humans that have contracted bird flu have died.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Humans
For awareness only. If you notice these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
| Human Bird Flu Symptoms |
|---|
•Fever |
•Achy muscles and joints |
•Coughing |
•Sore throat |
•Conjunctivitis (red, painful eyes) |
•Vomiting |
•Abdominal pain |
•Diarrhea |
•Shortness of breath |
•Pneumonia |
•Respiratory failure |
•Death |
Transmission of Chicken Bird Flu to Humans
Is bird flu contagious to humans? It’s uncommon, but possible with enough exposure to infected droppings or secretions—especially during cleaning without protection.
| Exposure route | How infection can happen & simple protections |
|---|---|
| Direct contact |
Touching secretions or manure from an infected bird, then touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
|
| Indirect contact (surfaces) |
Touching contaminated door latches, feeders, bins, boots, or tools, then touching your face.
|
| Airborne dust during cleaning |
Inhaling dried manure or dust while cleaning an infected coop without PPE.
|
| General note |
Overall risk is low for most backyard keepers who follow basic biosecurity:
|
Friendly reminder: Cook eggs and chicken to safe temperatures, wash hands and tools after raw handling, and contact local authorities/veterinary services if you suspect illness in your flock.
“These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred. “
CDC–Information on Avian Influenza
🍗 Can Bird Flu Spread Through Cooked Chicken?
Good news — you can’t catch bird flu from properly cooked chicken. Heat destroys the avian influenza virus, making the meat safe to eat when it’s cooked to the right temperature.
- Always cook chicken until the juices run clear.
- Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (73°C).
- Wash hands and utensils after handling raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
🥚 Can You Catch Bird Flu from Eggs?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s safe to eat eggs from infected chickens as long as they’re fully cooked. The bird flu virus can’t survive high heat.
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
When collecting eggs, keep nesting boxes clean and fragrant with Nesting Box Herbs. They naturally deter pests, keep the eggs cleaner, and make the coop smell amazing!
“There is no evidence to suggest that the A(H5), A(H7N9) or other avian influenza viruses can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared poultry or eggs.“
WHO–Influenza and other Zoonotic
🪶 Prevention of Bird Flu in Chickens
How Do I Protect My Chickens from Bird Flu?
Keeping your flock safe from the bird flu starts with good biosecurity — that means keeping germs and viruses out before they ever have a chance to spread. A few consistent habits make a big difference.
- Set up a specific hygiene plan for daily chores — clean boots, fresh gloves, and tools that stay in the coop area.
- Use a footbath or boot brush before entering and leaving your coop area.
- Keep wild birds away by securing feed bins, covering runs, and cleaning up spilled grain.
- Avoid visiting other flocks during outbreaks — diseases travel on clothes and shoes.
- Regularly clean and disinfect all feeders, waterers, and perches.
- Enhance natural resistance with Warming Herbs for Chickens — the blend supports immunity and respiratory health during stressful seasons.
🐔 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Prevention is always easier than cure. Stay consistent with hygiene, watch for warning signs, and keep a coop routine that includes fresh air and herbal support.
Keep Wild Birds Away
Simple steps to discourage ducks, geese, and other wild visitors around your coop.
| Action | What to do & why |
|---|---|
| Remove Attractants Daily |
|
| Cover the Chicken Run | Use bird netting or chicken wire overhead. Helps block ducks/geese and protects from hawks and owls. |
| Use Wildlife Deterrent Decoys |
Try owls, flags, alligator heads, mylar tape, or scarecrows.
Pro tip: Move them every few days so wildlife doesn’t get used to them. |
From my coop: a quick “feed-in, feed-out” habit + a covered run cut wild-bird visits to almost zero.
Daily Coop Hygiene & Handling
Clean habits that reduce disease spread—practical and quick.
| Action | What to do & why |
|---|---|
| Quarantine New Flock Members | Isolate newcomers for 30 days away from your resident flock. Keep at least 3 feet of separation—many diseases spread via dust and droppings in the air. |
| Clean & Sanitize Regularly | Sanitize the coop, nesting boxes, and perches on a schedule. Clean, dry surfaces help stop disease spread. |
| Wash Hands Before & After | Wash hands before/after handling chickens or equipment to avoid transferring illness to them—or to you. |
From my coop: a weekly “reset” (quick sanitize + fresh nests) helps me spot problems early.
🐔 Should I Keep My Chickens In Because of Bird Flu?
If you live in an area where bird flu is prevalent, it’s best to avoid letting your flock free range. Keeping your chickens confined helps reduce the chance of contact with wild ducks or geese — both of which can carry and spread avian influenza.
Why confinement helps:
- Wild ducks and geese can shed the virus in their droppings, even if they don’t look sick.
- Bird flu spreads easily through contaminated dust, soil, and standing water.
- Keeping your flock covered limits exposure to migrating wild birds overhead.
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Cover your chicken run with bird netting or hardware cloth to block wild birds from flying in. It keeps your hens safer — and as a bonus, it also protects them from hawks and owls!
For an added layer of natural defense, sprinkle Warming Herbs for Chickens in the run or bedding. Their scent can help deter pests and support immunity during colder weather.
🏡 Can a Chicken Live Inside?
It might seem sweet to keep a hen as a house pet, but allowing a chicken to live indoors full time isn’t healthy for you or the bird. There are three key reasons why backyard chickens belong outdoors, where they can live more naturally and thrive.
- Natural Behavior: Chickens need to peck, scratch, forage, and take dust baths. Living indoors takes away these instincts and causes stress.
- Sunshine & Fresh Air: Outdoor hens get essential vitamin D, natural exercise, and a richer diet from bugs and greens — all of which make healthier eggs.
- Health Concerns: Chickens can carry bacteria and viruses that make humans sick if they’re kept indoors for long periods.
⚠️ Common Diseases Chickens Can Transmit to Humans
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Instead of bringing hens indoors, make their outdoor space healthier. Add Nesting Box Herbs for freshness and comfort, or Cooling Herbs in warm weather for calm, happy hens.
How do You Treat Bird Flu in Chickens?
There is no treatment for chickens that contract the bird flu. The following steps must be taken if you suspect the bird flu:
If Bird Flu Is Detected: Required Actions
Follow your state veterinarian/USDA guidance. These are the common steps backyard keepers are instructed to take.
| Action | What to do & why |
|---|---|
| Destroy infected birds | All chickens that contract bird flu must be destroyed (culled) under official guidance to stop spread. |
| Destroy exposed birds | Any chickens that had contact with sick birds (domestic or wild) are typically required to be destroyed as well. |
| Dispose of carcasses properly | Use approved methods per local/state rules. Proper disposal prevents wildlife/scavenger contact and environmental contamination. |
| Contact USDA / state vet | Report immediately so tracing and response can begin. Early reporting helps protect other flocks in your area. |
| Thorough cleaning & disinfection | Deep clean the coop, tools, and affected areas. Replace bedding and follow official directions for disinfectants and stand-down times. |
Keeper tip: Keep a printed copy of your state’s reporting info with your first-aid kit and a basic PPE set (gloves, mask, disposable boot covers).
USDA began an emergency stockpile of human vaccines for bird flu in 2015. Unfortunately, it is not something that is available to the public, but it is there in case these viruses mutate and become more easily transmissible from chicken to human and from human to human.
🧽 How Long Can Bird Flu Survive on Surfaces?
During cold weather, the avian influenza virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to two weeks. This includes everyday items in your coop like steel door handles, rakes, shovels, and chicken coop walls.
At normal indoor conditions (68–72°F), it lasts up to one full day before dying off.
💡 Safety Reminder:
- Wear protective gloves and a mask when cleaning your chicken coop.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth while cleaning.
- Thoroughly wash your hands after handling coop tools or bedding.
- Use a disinfectant spray safe for animals on door handles and roost bars.
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Add a few scoops of Nesting Box Herbs after disinfecting. They help dry out moisture, keep bacteria under control, and make your coop smell wonderfully fresh.
Herbs & Bird Flu — Common Questions
Do herbs prevent bird flu?
No. Use herbs for comfort, enrichment, and a fresh-smelling coop. Rely on biosecurity to reduce risk.
Are herbal nest blends safe to use during outbreaks?
Yes—use as part of normal cleaning (light sprinkle under bedding). Avoid creating dust; wash hands after chores.
How often should I refresh herbs?
Most keepers refresh weekly during deep cleans, and add a small scratch upgrade 2–3×/week in cold weather.
🐔 Conclusion: Can My Chickens Get the Bird Flu?
Many backyard chicken keepers often wonder:
- “What is the bird flu?”
- “Can my chickens get the bird flu?”
- “What are the symptoms of bird flu in chickens?”
- “Can you get bird flu from chickens?”
- “How do you treat bird flu in chickens?”
The truth:
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a highly contagious and deadly virus among chickens. Flocks usually contract it after coming into contact with feces or mucosal secretions from ducks or geese.
There is currently no treatment for avian influenza.
Unfortunately, all infected chickens must be humanely destroyed and properly disposed of to stop the spread of the virus. Thorough cleaning and sanitization of your coop, tools, and property afterward is essential.
💚 Backyard Chickens Mama Tip:
Always wear protective gloves, boots, and a mask when cleaning your coop. This helps prevent you from breathing in dust or particles that could carry bacteria or viruses — including bird flu.
After cleaning, refresh your coop air naturally with Nesting Box Herbs for a cleaner scent and to help keep pests at bay.
Stay alert, stay informed, and care for your flock naturally. Healthy hens are happy hens 🐓💚
