Natural • SUSTAINABLE • RESPONSIBLE

Beating Bird Flu with Biosecurity

Stockmax shavings offer biosecurity for poultry keepers.

With a rise in cases of avian influenza across the UK, DEFRA has advised poultry keepers to turn to biosecurity as a means of protecting their flocks. Industry leaders in livestock bedding, Bedmax Limited, who produce Stockmax shavings, are at the forefront of bio-secure bedding options for poultry.

Bird flu is a highly infectious disease spread via direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water, as well as dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear. Wild birds are often carriers of the virus which makes it especially hard to manage.

Stockmax Biosecure Bedding

for poultry

Made using pine, which has natural antibacterial properties, Stockmax shavings are dried to sterilising temperatures to eliminate the presence of unwanted bacteria and spores. Minimising external sources of contaminants in turn reduces the challenge on the immune system and keeps birds healthier overall.

Where to Buy

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“Producing a bedding product for farmers that is going to help them reduce disease, and in turn reduce antibiotic use, has been a priority since we began producing Stockmax.

“There is a growing focus on producing food in a more sustainable way, however when diseases such as bird flu pose such a threat to the industry it is important to look at all the options in preventing the spread and biosecurity plays a key role in this.

Pine is naturally antibacterial and so is extremely hygienic, helping farmers to keep poultry housing as clean as possible.”

Tim Smalley, Managing Director of Bedmax

FAQ’s

Your Questions Answered

How Stockmax can help in the fight against Avian Flu…

What makes Stockmax more hygienic than other beddings??

Untreated straw is full of bacteria, dust and spores. Most shavings are made from spruce or larch. We make Stockmax from 100% pure Scots Pine timber, which has unique levels of natural antibacterial resistance that kills harmful pathogens including E. Coli and E. Faecium. We extract virtually all breathable dust, and we dry our shavings at sterilising temperatures to eliminate any residual bacteria and spores.

How does it compare on cost?

In comparative tests our larger shavings last longer in good condition than smaller shavings and pellets, and much longer than straw. In terms of lifecycle cost Stockmax shavings can therefore be equally or more cost effective – especially when you take into acount the savings you make in time and labour. And if they keep your poultry healthier, they can save on high treatment costs and losses too.

Can poultry choke on shavings?

Poultry and especially chicks may try and eat and sometimes choke on small shavings. Stockmax shavings are cut larger, and in all our experience of customers using our beddng for poultry and game chick rearing, no-one has reported this to be a problem.

Does Stockmax have a credible track record?

Stockmax is made by Bedmax Ltd, who have been making the UK’s bestselling equine bedding, Bedmax and Littlemax shavings, for over 21 years. We are one of only a handful of companies to hold Royal Warrants from both The Queen and The Prince of Wales.

Where can I buy Stockmax?

We distribute our shavings from three dedicated production plants in Northumberland, Nottinghamshire and Hampshire through a national network of dependable retailers, and you can find your nearest suppliers using our free Find a Supplier app here on our website.