The cage volaille versus gratis - range Gallus gallus disputation seems to storm on even in visible light of the more than 500 million egg recalled in recent weeks .
Most in the testis industry still insist that lift hens in shelling cages is actually better for the biddy and the safety of the testicle . Just this yr , the United Egg Producers , a direct U.S. egg industry trade grouping , annunciate that caging hens is better for food safety .
The U.K. egg industry lead the completely opposite position . In the past five years , nine studies have been nail throughout the U.K. , all of which bespeak that bollock functioning with cage hens have higher incidences of salmonella . These studies were so convincing that the U.K. has reenact statute law making it illegal to cage hens anywhere in the U.K. beginning in 2012 .
Even though U.S. studies seem to negate those in the U.K. , the U.S. stance that caged egg are safe is starting to snap . California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed state legislation to ostracise caged hens by 2015 , and many food trafficker , such as Wal - Mart , Safeway , Burger King , Wendy ’s and Subway , have institutionalize to lessen the telephone number of cage in - hen egg purchased .
I do n’t cage my hens . Do I have to worry about salmonella?Does this let the small - flock Fannie Farmer who free - ranges hens off the hook ? Not barely . All the studies in the U.S. and the U.K. found many other influences that increased the incidence of salmonella besides maintain the birds in cages . Darrell Trampel , DVM , a veterinarian and fowl expert at Iowa State University , says there are record showcase of salmonella in all sizes and type of mint , including those that are bring up organically and gratis - range . It ’s important , even in the humble batch , to take whole step to reduce your chances of salmonella infection .
Small Farm BiosecuritySalmonella is transmitted among chicken through impinging with fecal topic from infected razz or other creature . It ’s often expect from flock to flock on the clothes and shoes of farm visitors or the the great unwashed who care for the chickens . It ’s important to curb visitant to your flocks to limit the wimp ’ potency for exposure .
Salmonella is somewhat resilient and long - lived . Trucks and other vehicles that might carry the bacteria from another facility should be routed through the farm so their path does n’t cut across with that of the caretakers who might pick it up on their brake shoe .
Read about other confidential information forchicken disease bar .
Rodent ControlSalmonella is normally circulate by mice and other rodents . It ’s important to keep the chicken feed in a plastered container . If hens feed alfresco , bring food for thought in at night and store it in rodent - proof areas . Keep the coops in good status and well - ventilated with taut construction to foreclose mice from enter . Also eliminate weeds and heap debris that appeal gnawer in the chicken yard .
Clean CoopsRemove manure and damp litter as it accumulates in thechicken coop . clear waterers every week and feeders on a regular basis . Hang the self-feeder and waterers high enough to foreclose the chickens from defecating or digging turd into the container . Clean and disinfect any used equipment immediately upon purchase , even if you are n’t going to use it for a while .
Vaccinate Your FlockIn the U.S. , vaccine are sold in dosage of thousands to accommodate the manufacturing plant farm , which can make it elusive for the small - flock farmer . Bud Wood , from Murray McMurray Hatchery , spill the beans about the dilemma face the small - scale poultry husbandman .
“ To be fully covered for salmonella , the razz call for to be inoculate multiple time . We could vaccinate them once here at the hatchery , but the customer would call for to inoculate them again twice more , ” he says . “ The biggest problem is we can only get the vaccine in 5,000 or 10,000 dose units , and it needs to be used within hours of curtain raising . ”
pocket-size - scale farmers could go together to inoculate their flocks , but careful coordination would be involve to ensure viability of the vaccinum . Watch for update in vaccination distribution , and promote vet and legislator to make small quantities of the salmonella vaccinum available to small - flock farmers .
Good Egg HygieneAccording to Gail Damerow , author of Storey ’s Guide to Raising Chickens , the first line of defense in keeping bollock safe to eat is to keep nests clean and line with fresh bedding material . Eggs should be hoard often and store immediately after compendium at 45 academic degree F. Eggs that are badly begrime , snap or leak should be discarded .
To be completely safe , eggs should be completely cook with a hearty yolk and firm white . For more information about egg handling , shoot the breeze theEgg Safety CenterandFoodSafety.govwebsites .
