Adding new birds to your flock is always an exciting experience, but during an avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak, it’s more important than ever to take precautions. HPAI is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily between birds, making biosecurity a top priority when expanding your flock.
If you’re looking to add chickens, ducks, or other poultry to your backyard, follow these essential guidelines to keep your birds safe.
Why Is It Risky to Add New Birds Right Now?
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, and even on clothing or shoes. Unfortunately, many poultry keepers don’t realize their flocks may be exposed. This makes acquiring birds from unverified sources especially dangerous.
To reduce the risk of bringing HPAI into your flock, avoid buying, trading, or selling birds from these sources: Neighbors & Friends, Local Breeders, Facebook & Online Listings, Poultry Swaps & Auctions.
At this time, you should also avoid selling or rehoming birds to prevent the potential spread of disease.
The Safe Way to Add New Birds
If you want to safely expand your flock, purchase from an NPIP-certified hatchery like My Pet Chicken. Here’s why:
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USDA & State Certified – Our breeder flocks are NPIP-approved (National Poultry Improvement Plan), meaning they are regularly tested for avian influenza and other diseases.
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Biosecurity Measures in Place – Reputable hatcheries follow strict sanitation protocols to ensure birds remain disease-free.
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Safe & Healthy Chicks – Chicks are shipped directly to you from a biosecure facility, eliminating exposure to potentially infected flocks.
- Hatching at Home – Another safe option is hatching from your own flock, as long as you maintain strong biosecurity practices.
By sourcing your birds responsibly, you greatly reduce the risk of bringing HPAI into your flock
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Flock Safe
Even when buying from a reputable source, it’s important to follow these biosecurity steps:
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Quarantine New Birds – If adding older birds, keep them separate from your flock for at least 30 days before introducing them.
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Sanitize Shoes & Equipment – Always clean boots, tools, and feeders to prevent cross-contamination.
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Limit Visitors – Reduce foot traffic in your coop and avoid unnecessary contact with other poultry keepers.
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Keep Wild Birds Away – Cover feed and water sources to prevent wild birds from bringing in disease.
- Monitor for Symptoms – Watch for coughing, sneezing, swelling, or sudden deaths, and report any concerns to local agricultural authorities.
Protect Your Flock & Add Responsibly
HPAI is a serious concern, but with careful planning and strong biosecurity, you can still safely grow your flock. Stick to NPIP-approved sources like My Pet Chicken or hatch your own birds at home to ensure your chickens stay healthy and happy.
Want to learn more about avian flu symptoms, prevention, and safe poultry keeping? Check out our complete HPAI guide here!
Stay safe, and happy chick-keeping!
