WE PROTECT OUR LIVESTOCK AND AVIAN FLOCKS BY

• Isolation of new livestock: Before we integrate any new livestock that will contact our current stock they are isolated for 2-4 weeks so we can monitor their health and check for any signs of transmissible diseases.

• Cleanliness: All pens, coops, and barns are cleaned regularly to prevent the transmission of disease and reduce pests. Bedding is replaced regularly with the exception of winter when we "deep bed" by adding straw to existing bedding which allows the livestock and flocks to have clean materials while the base bedding composts, providing heat.

• Health monitoring: Health of livestock and avian flocks is monitored and recorded daily to track any health concerns, treatments, and productivity. Due to the severity of avian diseases in our area we have strict protocols for isolation and termination if any poultry shows symptoms of disease.

• Restricted Access: Visitation is prohibited with the exception of veterinarian and service workers, and their access is limited to our Controlled Access Zone [CAZ]. Our CAZ is protected from entry by a vehicle gate and a man gate, The Restricted Access Zones are each individually gated, and no poultry flocks have access to each others coops or runs. Our CAZ is clearly marked with biosecurity signage.

• Limited water access: Though drinking water is provided throughout each day, access to natural water sources is restricted to prevent wild-bird contamination of poultry flocks. Our on-site pond is owned and operated by our resident geese exclusively.

• Food and water storage: At Hopeful Homesteaders all food is stored indoors in totes, and water is fresh from the tap. In the case of water dispensing stations, the water is contained in a 5gal bucket and dispensed via a float valve. All containers, hoses, and reservoirs are cleaned and inspected regularly.

• Manure and Waste: With a mixed-livestock homestead we have multiple ways to handle waste and manure, from composting to spreading on the garden. Manure that is composted is adequately covered in compost material to prevent cross-contamination. Mortalities are buried, composted, or taken off-site to a disposal center depending on type and size.

• Pest control: All coops and barns are rodent-proof as needed, and multiple trapping systems are employed throughout the homestead. Insect control traps are utilized in areas where insect pests accumulate, and potential breeding areas are regularly inspected and cleaned as needed. No wild-bird feeders of any type are used on the homestead to protect from avian diseases carried by wild-birds. 

• Multiple Species in the CAZ: As a multi-species homestead care is taken to prevent disease transmission between the various species that may present contamination potential, such as poultry and waterfowl. Hogs are restricted to their own RAZ, each chicken flock to their own RAZ, quail to their own RAZ, and so forth. Our heritage turkeys and geese do share access to the same CAZ, but their food, water, and shelter are contained and inaccessible to each other.

• Secure barriers: The Hopeful Homestead is secured by livestock fencing and electric fencing where required. All commercial breeding chicken runs have high fencing and are covered with tarpaulin to protect from wild-bird feces, with the exception of our internal-breeding run which is too large to provide overhead cover, but does have bird netting to prevent predation.