Bird flu may sound concerning, but there’s no need to panic—especially if you’re a backyard chicken keeper. While avian influenza can affect chickens, taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk to your flock. In this post, we answer some of the most asked questions — we’ll walk you through what bird flu really is, how to protect your chickens, and why you don’t need to worry about eating eggs or poultry as long as you follow safety guidelines. Keep reading for practical tips and reassurance on how to keep your flock healthy and your egg supply safe!
What is Bird Flu?
Commonly known as bird flu, the official name is Avian Influenza which is caused by a type of Influenza A virus that primarily affects birds. While bird flu is often associated with large commercial poultry farms, it can also affect backyard chickens.
Source: CDC – Bird Flu Overview
Bird Flu vs Avian Flu?
Bird flu and Avian flu are the same thing. Avian means anything relating to birds and flu is a shortening of the word influenza. Therefore, avian flu is just another term for bird flu.
Can My Backyard Chickens Get Bird Flu?
Yes, unfortunately your backyard chickens can contract the bird flu. However, you can help prevent this with some simple steps:
Limit your backyard chickens contact with wildlife and wild fowl. This is how bird flu could be transmitted to your backyard flock.
Keep your chickens in a safe and enclosed space: One of the advantages of owning a Roost & Root chicken coop is that they are designed with ample space, so you don’t need to let your chickens roam outside if you’re concerned about disease.
Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean your chicken coop and equipment. Consider having designated “coop-cleaning shoes” to reduce the spread of contaminants.
Source: University of Minnesota Extension – Avian Influenza for Backyard Flock Owners
Bird Flu Symptoms in Chickens?
While symptoms can vary, common signs of bird flu in chickens include:
Lethargy or lack of energy
Reduced appetite or weight loss
Difficulty breathing
Swelling and discoloration of the comb or waddles
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to monitor your flock closely. You know your flock best, If you suspect bird flu, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Source: American Veterinary Medical Association – Avian Influenza in Poultry
Can You Get Bird Flu from Backyard Chicken Eggs?
No, as long as you cook your eggs to an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F, as recommended by the USDA. There is no evidence to suggest that properly cooked eggs pose a risk for transmitting bird flu to humans.
Can You Get Bird Flu from Store-Bought Eggs?
No, you cannot get bird flu from eating eggs as long as they are properly handled and cooked. The FDA and USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service have stringent protocols to ensure that infected eggs do not reach consumers. These measures reduce the risk of any contaminated eggs reaching grocery stores to virtually zero.
Is It Safe to Eat Eggs During Bird Flu Outbreak?
Yes, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is safe to eat eggs during a bird flu outbreak as long as they are properly cooked. Make sure to cook eggs thoroughly, as this kills any potential viruses.
Can you Get Bird Flu from Eating Chicken?
No, if you cook poultry to the USDA’s recommended temperature of 165°F, the bird flu virus is inactivated. According to the USDA’s risk assessment, properly cooked poultry meat poses negligible risk to public health.
Will the Bird Flu Affect Egg Prices?
Egg prices tend to rise during outbreaks of bird flu, as the virus can reduce the supply of eggs from affected commercial farms. However, if you’re a backyard chicken keeper, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be affected by these price fluctuations.
Why Choose Roost & Root Chicken Coops?
At Roost & Root, we understand that keeping your chickens safe and comfortable is a priority—especially during times when bird flu is a concern. Our coops are designed with ease of use and maintenance in mind. Here’s how we help make backyard chicken keeping simpler and safer:
Easy cleaning: All of our coops are designed for quick and easy cleaning.
Roost & Root’s Compact Series chicken coops are designed with removable panels, making it easy to rake out chicken manure with minimal effort and without the need for close contact. Gone are the days of kneeling on the ground to scoop or scrub away droppings. We understand how challenging and time-consuming cleaning a coop can be, and how it’s often the task that gets pushed to the back burner. But keeping your flock healthy means prioritizing regular cleaning. With our innovative removable panels, you’ll save time and energy, ensuring your coop stays hygienic and your chickens stay happy.
Roost & Root’s Walk-in Series chicken coops and Heritage Series chicken coops take convenience to the next level. With full-sized doors and spacious interiors, you can comfortably walk in to rake out bedding without bending or stooping. The extra room also means you can go longer between cleanings, depending on the size of your flock, without compromising the hygiene of your coop. Cleaning your coop has never been this easy—and your chickens will thank you for it!
Spacious interiors: Unlike many other coops, our designs provide your chickens with enough space to stay comfortable.
Our coops offer the recommended amount of space (at least 3 square feet per chicken) ensuring your flock stays healthy and stress-free. During seasons when you prefer not to let your chickens free-range—whether due to concerns about bird flu, colder winter months, or simply to keep your chickens from crashing your summer pool party —Roost & Root coops provide a safe, spacious environment where your chickens can thrive. Our coops are designed to make your life easier while giving your flock the space and safety they deserve.
Check out what Roost & Root has to offer here! Have questions about what chicken coop is right for you? Give us a call at 877-741-2667. We’re real people and are always happy to help.