Delmarva poultry industry battles with winter weather

Delmarva’s poultry industry is feeling the effects of the weekend snow storm that blasted the region, reports the Associated Press.

University of Delaware extension specialist Bill Brown says at least 12 poultry houses in Delaware and on Maryland’s Eastern Shore have collapsed under the weight of snow. The snow also has interrupted feed and propane deliveries, putting chickens at risk of dying from hunger or exposure.

Brown says the loss of buildings and chickens can be measured in the millions of dollars, and another expected snowstorm could make matters worse.

Delaware’s agriculture secretary is urging growers to try to get snow off of the roofs of their poultry houses, but Brown says farm workers should not jeopardize their safety to try to save chickens.

Source: Associated Press