it is likely that the eggs that reach the consumer were laid several hours ago, the likelihood of infection is low, even if the droppings were carrying the avian flu virus. The avian flu virus is destroyed by drying, and exposure to sunlight for a few hours. However, in the event of a pandemic, recent droppings are to be considered infective unless proven otherwise.

Yes, eating properly cooked poultry, as well as eggs, is safe. The U.S. government has banned imported poultry from countries affected by bird flu. At the present time, bird flu is not present in the U.S. For protection against many types of food borne diseases, such as Salmonella, all poultry should be cooked to 165? F or hotter. Cooking also destroys flu viruses. See similar questions...

There is no evidence to suggest that you can become infected by eating properly cooked poultry and eggs. Proper handling and cooking of poultry provides protection against this virus, as it does against many viruses and bacteria, including Salmonella and E.coli. Safe food handling and preparation is important at all times. See similar questions...

Soft-shelled eggs, small clutches and soft bones are normally symptoms that will appear as a result of vitaminD3 deficiency. If your finches are housed outdoors in the sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sunlight shining on the skin will change a substance on the skin to vitamin D3. Refer to Robert Black's article on lighting. I supplement my Gouldians with Calcium Plus to supplement vitaminD3 in their diets. See similar questions...

There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or eggs can be a source of infection for avian influenza viruses. For more information about avian influenza and food safety issues, visit the World Health Organization website. General food preparation and safety guidelines should be followed. This includes keeping all surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils you are using to prepare raw chicken and eggs separate from other food, such as salads and vegetables. See similar questions...

When your pullets reach about 5-6 months of age, if you will supplement the natural daylight with light bulbs to maintain a 14-17 hour day, you will be very happy with the extra eggs. Birds have a pineal gland behind the eye that controls reproduction. That, of course, is egg production. This switch is turned on and off by the hours of light the birds have each day. See similar questions...

Hens begin laying eggs at the time of sexual maturity, around 18-22 weeks of age. Peak age production usually occurs at about 28 weeks of age. In a laying flock, excellent peak production would be between 85-95%. This means that on a give day, 85-95% of the flock would produce an egg. After this peak in production, the rate of lay decreases about 1% to 1-1/2% per week. Several factors are involved in how many eggs a hen will produce such as breed, light exposure, housing and nutrition. See similar questions...

Soft-shelled eggs are common in young pullets just starting their laying career. In older hens, it is usually caused by a calcium deficiency. To remedy this, give the hens free access to shell grit or finely crushed egg shells. This helps increase the calcium levels and the problem usually stops. It is a good idea to allow fowls to have shell grit all the time, as they need certain grits to help break down and utilize their food See similar questions...

Healthy diets should regularly include high quality, low fat sources of protein, like whey protein. Calories do count and you want to make sure that you are getting the most benefit from the calories you consume. Compared to other proteins, on a gram-to-gram basis whey protein isolate delivers more essential amino acids to the body but without the fat or cholesterol. See similar questions...

First of all, do not take the eggs away from her. She will lay a set number of eggs called a "clutch" and then she will stop and incubate them. If you take them away it will stimulate her to continue to lay. This will lead to calcium depletion and egg binding ( a fatal condition in which they are unable to pass the egg). Proper diet is extremely important for egg laying birds because of the risk of calcium and protein depletion. See similar questions...

We don't worry about this too much. Some breeders do, however, so will suggest a variety of methods, ensuring that the embryo has not developed or that cellular division is in the earliest formation: let the hen lay the eggs and remove them after 3 or 4 days of sitting and no more eggs. Throw the eggs out or blow out the contents for future use significantly reduce the daily green or fresh food intake for a while and reduce light length and temps, if you can. See similar questions...

Yes, it is safe, even though the bird flu virus can survive on raw meat and in eggs from infected poultry, if you remember to practice standard food precautions. Cook poultry thoroughly. Ensure that poultry meat reaches 180˚F or that the meat is no longer pink. Egg yolks should not be runny or liquid. Cooking foods properly inactivates any viruses or bacteria that are in the meat. See similar questions...

With many freshwater tanks, the general answer is that it is not a good idea. Shells are composed of calcium carbonate, which will dissolve in soft to neutral water (the type of water many of our fish live in). It will gradually harden the water, as the ions go into solution. Many soft water fish (such as neon tetras), will not react well to this. See similar questions...

One to two days. Eggs are usually laid in the morning. Some hummingbirds have two broods in a season and a third is not completely unheard of. Unless true disaster has struck, the adult female hummingbird is still taking care of her nestlings. After they have matured enough, she is not going to stay at the nest as she did before. She needs to get food for herself and her young ones. Her visits to the nest will be very quick. Unless you are watching continuously, you may not see her at all. See similar questions...

No! It is normal for hens to lay eggs. We had one that surprised us this way back in the early 1990's, as one day an egg appeared in the bottom of her cage. We gave her calcium to replace what she lost laying the egg. After she laid the egg and no others, we removed it. See similar questions...

Between May and July, female turtles will leave the water and seek out soft, sandy soils in which to dig a hole, lay their eggs, and then return to the water. Unfortunately, turtles are often seen laying eggs on the soft shoulders of roads. The best thing to do is to leave them be, and hope for the best. The eggs will hatch sometime between September and October. Once hatched, the infant turtles' instinct is to head for the water. See similar questions...

Conventional waterproofs can struggle to maintain breathability in very cold conditions or in high humidity. P??ramo will continue to perform because it not only directs moisture vapour but also expels condensed liquid water. P??ramo will recover from total or partial immersion by pumping liquid water and air around your body. Being warm as well as waterproof, means you can leave behind some of your insulating layers. Adjustable ventilation provides comfort in warm as well as cool conditions. See similar questions...

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission (EC) and other organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) or the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) generally support longstanding food safety advice that chicken and eggs be properly cooked in order to protect consumers from possible risks of food poisoning. Proper handling and cooking provides protection against avian influenza and other viruses and bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. See similar questions...