News sources are reporting a national egg shortage because of a breakout of the Avian Flu. Recent numbers show about 35 million of the 300 million hens in the country have died so far. Reports said H-E-B grocery stores are rationing in Texas and Whataburger decided to limit their egg selling hours. Whataburger in Milton reports no egg product can be sold between the hours of 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. and the Pace location said eggs can only be sold from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m. Whataburger corporate response said, "We’ve been working hard to build up our egg supply and we’re pleased to announce that Whataburger breakfast hours are back to 11pm-11am. However, there is still an egg shortage and eggs will only be served between 5am-11am. We thank our customers for their patience." Reports said shoppers should already see a rise in the cost of a dozen eggs. One report from ABC News said the price of Midwest large white eggs delivered to the store increased 120 percent to $2.62 per dozen May 29 and remained at that price, up from $1.19 on May 1.
For the many homes who began their own backyard chicken coops within the past few years (there are many of them across the nation since the last recession), here are some key points to keep any virus from devastating the flock:
· Keep the coop as clean as possible. Maintaining a tidy pen helps to avoid illness for both the flock and the family. If the coop has a floor, keep it clean and dry. If your feathered friends walk on the earth, keep their quarters dry and free from spoiled food and litter.
· Keep laying nests dry and inviting. Make sure bedding is fresh where eggs will not get wet and contaminated. Freshly laid eggs have a bloom coated on the shell to keep bacteria from invading. Making sure the egg stays clean and dry keeps the bloom protected.
· Gather soon after the cackle. Fresh is best.
· Rotate your stash. Use the oldest first to ensure healthy consumption.
· Check eggs if unsure of age. Sometimes farmers will find a nest in an obscure place because a hen may get tired of the communal laying box. When you gather them, use the water test to see if they are past their prime. Fill a cup of water. Put a questionable egg inside. If it floats, its bad. If it sinks to the bottom, its good.
If any of your flock show signs of illness: lethargy, feather loss, or if one just up and dies, consult your neighborly fowl friends to see if their hens show any symptoms and talk with your farm advisors. If a bird seems sick, isolate the chicken from the flock to stop the spread. Move the invalid far enough away to stop contamination. Local feed and seed stores have antibiotics to add to the water supply to help with illness.
It is nice to feel self sufficient when there is a rising cost of a staple you can provide yourself. However, there’s always risk. Raising happy hens and roosters will provide a family with hours of laughter and a feeling of joy when gathering your breakfast. By keeping a clean coop and healthy flock, backyard chickens can provide protein without fear.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Protecting your flock