How are chickens kept calm under new housing rules?

Will Lea said enrichment for birds was important during restrictions

Mandatory housing rules have come into place for poultry to curb bird flu in England, including Shropshire.

Under Thursday's new regulations, flocks must be kept on a strict lockdown, for keepers of more than 50 chickens and any sellers of poultry products.

It is an anxiety-inducing time for businesses and farmers, because an outbreak of the disease can see flocks culled, having a big impact on firms' finances.

Not only is it a stressful time for humans, but it can be disruptive for the birds too - which is why one poultry farmer said "enrichment" - items for them to peck at - has been introduced to his flock, keeping them calm by giving them something to do.

Will Lea's family farm, in Much Wenlock, houses 32,000 free-range Hy-Line Brown chickens.

He said they knew about the latest restrictions four or five days in advance, so they could plan what to do for the birds.

Enrichment is a huge part of keeping the birds as calm as possible during times like this, he told the BBC.

His family owns 32,000 birds near Much Wenlock

"Things like Lucerne bales, you can hang in the shed - it's basically dried grass and it's enrichment... so they peck at it, it gives them something to do," he said.

"We can also get pecking blocks, so it's like a hard grit and again, it's something to peck at.

"These birds are all used to going outside… it's quite a big shock when you suddenly shut the door."

He said they put the peck-able items in front of the door the birds used to go through.

"They would've had dust bathing areas outside, so you can [also] implement that on the inside," Mr Lea said.

"We don't know how often they'll have to be shut in for... stress can cause lots of health problems.

"They don't understand why the doors are shut, so it's just giving them something be occupied by."

Multiple changes of clothes

Decontamination measures are very important at this time too - the family change their clothes and footwear when they get to the door of the housing, and then again when they get to the area with the birds inside.

Footwear is the most important thing, he said, as contamination could be brought in on shoes. Using disinfectant is also vital.

"Our routines are the same, really, it's just we haven't got any jobs outside," said Mr Lea, who is also on the NFU poultry board.

"We might remove things on the range to detract wild birds from coming near the sheds."

He added that he welcomed the restrictions, even though they could affect business.