Wild birds and west nile virus??

[silver suz]

I know this is way off topic, but i figure some people here must be birders.
I stopped feeding the wild birds (I was going thru 25-50 lbs/week of various kinds) because they are a vector for West Nile and because my chickens clean up all the seeds dropped by the wild birds and one entertaining squirrel.
I really miss watching all the wild birds (and I had lots!) from my windows, but am more concerned about my chickens picking up a disease.My chickens are definately free-range! and the baby grasshoppers are starting.

Is this good sense? precaution or paranoia? West Nile is in our county (dead birds)- and then there's is always the avian flu!!!!!. )) Silver suz P. S. I do have many sources of natural food resources planted, but not up against my window. (

[jjonesnc]

Suz......I live in NC and we have the west nile virus confirmed here. Id worry more about myself than the chickens, if a mosquito bits an infected bird and then bites YOU, you get the virus. I took down all my bird feeders too.
-Jason

P.S. thanks for all your help

[silver suz]

Yes- and we have LOTS of mosquitos here. I'm pretty sure I contracted West Nile at a cruise stopover in Key West, before the big uproar, a bite on my upper arm. Didn't squash it in time. Luckily I was on massive antibiotics for sinus infection. I was one sick puppy. Went to the Docs who gave me big shots of cortizone (they kept saying 'you'll feel well by tomorrow) until they couldnt give any more, and more and different antibiotics. I didn't get back to my usual sick self for about a month. Now does this mean I cant catch West Nile anymore? Or is it like the cold? : ( silver suz