No one knows, of course, what's coming with the Avian Flu.
This could prove to be the most ill-advised time in history for a guy like me
to take on urban chickens. We don't know what the future of birds holds. In
two years time we could be living in a far different world: Total Avian Extermination?
Witch hunts against all bird life? Who knows. Perhaps chickens will be revered
as gods. No matter what happens, there will be many questions.
As of March 2006, the Avian Flu has not appeared in the US. My two baby hens
were born last week down the road in Half Moon Bay. As domestic chickens I'm
told they'll remain healthy--unless they encounter infected migratory birds
some time in the future.
So the eventual risk of infection is there. Will they have to be surrendered
and destroyed? Will I die?
If I sleep, will clowns eat me?
No shortage of Worst-Case Scenarios in my mind, and I expect my neighbors will
each, in turn, have some serious concerns too.
Well. I'm just putting forth to my friends and neighbors that, as a newly created
urban chicken person, I pledge to stay current and informed and to do the right
thing. If it becomes dangerous to have birds then they'll be surrendered to
the men in space suits at the front door. I'd just remind everyone that this
is exactly how "Planet Of The Apes" got started....
My sources so far: The City Chicken;
backyardchickens.com; Yahoo Urban Chickens Group.
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