Farm Table Talk: From Bird Flu to COVID – Why We Aren’t Conspiracy Theorists

Posted byTraci HoustonPosted inFarm Table Talk, Poultry

Alright folks, gather round the farm table. Today, we’re diving into the controversial and downright infuriating topic that’s got every chicken keeper clucking in outrage. Bird flu, my friends, might just be the second biggest scam the government has ever pulled, behind Covid, and they’re using it to target the country’s poultry population. Strap in, because this is going to ruffle some feathers!

The Bird Flu Boondoggle

Let’s get one thing straight: bird flu mainly infects and spreads among wild water birds like ducks and geese. These wild birds might not get sick or die from bird flu, but they can still spread it to other animals. So why on earth are domestic birds dropping like flies while wild birds waltz around without a care? Probably because they’re being exposed and building a genetic immunity through various generations. Meanwhile, our brilliant government decides the best course of action is to kill off domestic birds instead of letting them develop natural immunity. Survival of the fittest? More like survival of the dumbest policy.

And before you start calling me a conspiracy theorist or ignorant or a Reynolds wrapper or illogical or stupid or whatever other derogatory term you want to use, let’s look at this. Just because you’re scared doesn’t mean I am. (And I do look at articles from BOTH sides, not just the ones supporting my views. That’s how you get a well-rounded view and not a conspiracy theory.) But let me say this: If you genuinely believe the government is out here concocting bird flu to sabotage your flock and lace your breakfast with vaccines, well, I’ve got a bridge to sell you. But let’s be clear—the government is indeed decimating the poultry population on purpose, just not with vaccine-laced eggs.

The Draconian Cull

About 60 million chickens (mainly laying hens) and turkeys died in the last year. A decade ago, it was 50 million. Are these cycles inevitable, or are we being fed a line of bull by so-called experts? If we learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that official government narratives are often politically slanted and downright untrue.

Of the nearly 60 million claimed deaths, maybe a couple of million actually died from HPAI. The rest? Exterminated in a draconian sterilization protocol. Euthanasia? Please. Call it what it is—extermination. Very few of the birds killed are in pain or even symptomatically sick. If one chicken in a house of a million tests positive, the government storms in with law enforcement to guarantee all live birds die. Quickly. And for what? To maintain their flawed narrative.

While we absolutely agree that those who contract High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) aren’t comfortable and likely aren’t having fun while sick, it’s no different than COVID in humans. Birds who contract HPAI can show symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, extreme diarrhea, swelling and discoloration of the face, reduced egg production and/or misshapen eggs, and lack of coordination. Or they may die too quickly to show any symptoms. Imagine if the government had decided that any human who showed the signs of COVID needed to be ‘euthanized’ to prevent the spread of the disease. I don’t know who said that humans have more of a right to live than other animals (because don’t forget, we are very much animals ourselves), but we have no more of a right to be here on this planet than anything else.

In not a single flock have all the birds died from HPAI. Every flock has survivors. But the government doesn’t care about that. They’re more interested in killing everything that ever contacted the diseased birds. Mass extermination without regard to immunity, without researching why some birds flourish while others die, is pure insanity. Farmers have been selecting for healthy immune systems for millennia, but the USDA couldn’t care less.

If a farmer wanted to save the survivors and breed birds with HPAI immunity, gun-toting government agents would shut that down immediately. The scorched-earth policy is the only option to them, even though it’s clearly not working. The cycles are coming faster, affecting more birds, and we’re still blaming wild birds, backyard flocks, and dirty shoes. Enough with the scapegoating—this is nature’s way of screaming “Enough!”

The Real Culprits

Let’s be honest—any agricultural system that views wildlife as a liability is inherently anti-ecological. The real culprits are the overcrowding of birds that are too densely packed into too many poultry houses built too close together with no natural sanitation cycles. And don’t even get me started on the industry’s manure lagoons, which are obviously anti-ecological and far from natural. These lagoons are infecting wild ducks, not the other way around. It’s guilt by association, like blaming fire trucks for causing car wrecks just because you see the fire trucks at the scene of the accident.

And then there’s the narrative of wild birds and pests sneaking around like some avian conspiracy. It’s eerily similar to the COVID-19 containment measures. It’s all about control, fear, and scapegoating while ignoring the real issues at hand.

Commercial Poultry Houses

Some commercial houses can hold up to multiple millions of birds. And you can guarantee that they aren’t big enough to give each bird their recommended couple of square feet per day of fresh ground. That’s not being trapped in a dirt floor building but giving them fresh ground every day with a minimal 30-day rest period before returning to the same spot. This is not allowing natural cleanup of the area they are keeping the birds in. One of the best ways to do that is with deep bedding (natural decomposition), since I also suspect that cleaning the houses every day will not yield the results we want either. Sterile environments kill off good bacteria too.

Backyard Flocks

And this is not to say that HPAI is exclusively a commercial poultry problem. Backyard flocks are susceptible as well, but many of these mini flocks are in terrible hygienic conditions. However, the difference in scale and management between commercial and backyard flocks is significant. Backyard keepers often lack the resources for proper hygiene and biosecurity measures, leading to potential outbreaks.

Optimal Herd Sizes

One of the truisms of Joel Arthur Barker (author of Paradigms) was that paradigms always eventually exceed their point of efficiency. Animals also have a hierarchy within their flocks and herds of bullies and timids. That social structure breaks down once you get above the point of efficiency. With most herbivores, the breaking point of efficiency is high, as noted by herd sizes on the Serengeti and bison on the American plains. Honeybees divide when the hive reaches a certain size. Elk have optimal herd sizes. Mountain goats are in small flocks. Wild pigs too seek a group size seldom exceeding 100.

The point is that the first line of defense is to figure out where the stress-free sweet spot is and respect it. For chickens, it’s about 1,000 birds. So don’t house more than that together. Allowing them space and proper conditions will go a long way in preventing diseases like HPAI.

A Better Way

If what we are currently doing is insane, then what is the better alternative? Save the survivors and breed them. Duh! The same way we breed for hardiness in any other area. You don’t breed the animals prone to sickness, heat or cold intolerance, or difficulty birthing the next generation. You get the point. Let the flock get HPAI, let it run its course, and keep the survivors for a breeding program.

Enhancing Conditions for Chickens

Work on improving the conditions that increase hygiene and happiness—yes, happiness! All animals have optimal herd and flock sizes. For chickens, it’s about 1,000 birds. So don’t house more than that together.

And let the chickens act like chickens. In addition to proper flock size, give them fresh pasture in which to run and scratch. Not dirt yards. Not little aprons around a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). With a mobile shelter, you can move the flocks every day or so to fresh pasture. This keeps them on new ground that’s been host-free for an extended period of rest (30+ days). They don’t sleep, eat, and live every moment of every day on their toilet. The American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA) promotes this kind of immune-boosting model, allowing flocks access to fresh air, sunlight, bugs, worms, and succulent green material.

If you don’t have the space to move them every day, then build a coop designed for deep bedding. Nature sanitizes in two ways: rest and sunshine or vibrant decomposition. The pastured poultry model that I recommend uses the first method: rest and sunshine. But at our farm, we also utilize the other option: deep bedding. The concept is quite simple. You need enough mass to support microbes, and that is minimally 8 inches, but preferably more than 12 inches deep. Anything deeper is better and more functional.

Add your carbon substance of choice, such as leaves, sawdust, wood chips, peanut hulls, untreated mulch, etc. Then add your chickens. They will start scratching and churning your carbon material, adding air. Add kitchen scraps, and what they don’t like will get mixed into the bedding. From time to time (we aim for weekly or whenever we smell ammonia), add more carbon material. Gradually, life will come into the bedding, and you’ll see worms, rolly pollies, and all sorts of critters. That’s just what you can see—the chickens will see far more. These critters will supplement the birds’ diet with protein. They turn it into a living and breathing compost pile. The deep bedding controls pathogens because nematodes attack disease-causing bugs. In a good environment like this, nature provides far more good guys than bad guys. The deep bedding allows that self-policing community to function  vibrantly, providing a sanitary, healthful environment for the poultry.

Humble Solutions

Creating an immune-building protocol surely merits research as much as overriding the immune system with vaccines and trying to stay ahead of disease mutations and adaptations with human cleverness. How about humbly seeking nature for solutions rather than relying on hubris?

The parallels between HPAI expert orthodoxy and COVID orthodoxy are too numerous to mention. Fear porn is rampant in our culture. The HPAI worry feeds food worry, which makes people clamor for government security. People will accept just about anything if they’re afraid. Does anyone really think human cleverness is going to beat migratory ducks? Really? Think it through and then embrace a more natural remedy: well-managed decentralized pastured poultry with appropriate flock sizes.

So, what do you think? Is the government using bird flu to kill backyard chickens and drive up the cost of eggs? Let’s keep the conversation going and demand answers. The future of our food supply depends on it.

Actions You Can Take

  1. Support Local Farmers: Buy eggs and poultry from local, pastured poultry farms. Not only do you get higher quality products, but you also support farmers who are committed to sustainable and humane practices.
  2. Raise Your Own Flock: If you have the space, consider starting your own backyard flock. Follow best practices for hygiene and flock management to keep your birds healthy and happy.
  3. Advocate for Change: Write to your local representatives and demand more research into natural immunity and sustainable farming practices. Raise awareness about the issues with current agricultural policies.
  4. Join a Community: Get involved with organizations like the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA). Share knowledge, resources, and support with fellow poultry keepers.
  5. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the issues facing the poultry industry and share that information with others. Encourage open discussions about alternative, more sustainable practices.

The COVID Connection and Natural Immunity

It’s time to face some uncomfortable truths. Back in May 2024, the CIA finally acknowledged that documents credibly suggest COVID-19 originated from a lab-related accident in Wuhan, China. Yes, you heard that right—this was a man-made virus. And what did we learn from this? The government narratives are often politically slanted and not always truthful. Just like with HPAI, we need to question the official stories and look for the real truths.

And let’s talk about over-sanitization. Sanitizing every surface in your home to an extreme isn’t good for your immune system. Research has shown that sterile environments don’t allow the immune system to develop properly. We need exposure to various microbes to build robust immunity. Almost no virus is protective against allergic or immune diseases; in fact, infections often worsen these conditions. On the other hand, bacteria, particularly good bacteria known as commensals, play a crucial role in our health. Our bodies actually have more bacterial cells than human cells.

Consider the impacts of birth methods and diet. Babies born via cesarean section, who miss out on exposure to the mother’s healthy bacteria during birth, have higher risks for immune diseases. Breastfeeding also plays a vital role in developing a healthy immune system. Our modern diets, full of processed foods, lack the necessary fiber to support a healthy microbiome. This microbiome is essential not just for our immune health but also for deriving nutrients from our food.

Living on farms, where people are exposed to the fecal material of animals, has shown to reduce the prevalence of immune diseases. This is due to exposure to good bacteria, which helps maintain a healthy immune system. Not everyone will adopt farm life, but having pets can also contribute to this exposure.

This brings us back to HPAI. The same principles of natural immunity and exposure to good bacteria apply. The government’s policy of mass extermination without considering immunity or natural solutions mirrors the over-sanitization mindset. Just as over-sanitizing harms our immune systems, the scorched-earth approach to HPAI harms our poultry populations. We should be focusing on building immunity, not destroying it.

Personal Note

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about chickens. It’s about our relationship with the natural world and our responsibility to steward it wisely. We have the power to make a difference, to create a food system that respects both the animals we raise and the environment we live in. So let’s rise to the occasion, challenge the status quo, and fight for a future where our food supply is secure, sustainable, and just.

And let’s be clear—we aren’t conspiracy theorists on this one. We are doing our research, following the cycles of nature, using common sense, and questioning everything. Free thinkers will always seem crazy to those who don’t take time to research, but that won’t stop us from seeking the truth and advocating for what’s right.

Thank you for being part of this conversation and for standing up for what’s right. Together, we can make a change that benefits us all.

Until next time,
Traci

References

Published by Traci Houston

Hi there! I’m Traci, the heart and hands behind Huckleberry Farms. As a regenerative farmer, mother, and advocate for sustainable living, I’m all about growing food that’s good for people and the planet. Every day on our farm, we’re exploring new ways to honor old traditions, care for our animals, and regenerate the land. You’ll often find me writing about our journey, sharing honest insights into the ups and downs of farm life, and hopefully sparking conversations that inspire us all to think a little deeper about the food we eat and the world we live in. Thanks for being part of our community—I’m so glad you’re here!

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