1st time adding to my flock

[MustLoveCats]

Hi! I've had a flock since Sept 2018 (i raised from chicks), and a friend is giving me her (3) 2-yo hens. I've read that i need to quarantine the newbies for 30 days - my question is... how far apart? i've got space in the back yard, but not much else. I've got an EZ up that i can wrap to house the newbies to keep them separate from my current flock, but not enough space. The ones i'm getting are the only hens this person has. Your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[chkva]

I don't quarantine if I know where they're coming from. I always inspect chickens and buy from people who I know, it makes it easier for me. I don't buy from unknown people because I've run into issues not with sickness, but just dishonesty.

I have a run I use for the see and not touch method, that to me works fine if I know the breeder. When I got my RSL I let them in with my hen instantly (they came from a local farm that I have been going to for 4 years), I had zero issues. I got them to keep her company, for pets, and to get more eggs.

If you quarantine then they need to be far enough away that the hens have zero contact. I'm not exactly sure on the distance, but I'd say fifty or more feet with zero contact.

Everyone has their own method...

 

[MustLoveCats]

Thank you! I know the person they are coming from, so i feel confident. I'll double ck to make sure no health issues. I'm learning as i go here.

 

[Mrs. K]

IF she is your friend, well you have probably been to see her chickens and she to see yours... already a breech. IF she has not added birds from swaps and auctions, but kept her birds from exposure to other birds... drastically diminished the probability.

Most true backyard setup, quarantine is impossible, and really you can't cheat at quarantine. You either do it, or you don't. To me, healthy looks healthy. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING YOU ARE SORRY FOR - that is a train wreck, no matter how you quarantine.

IF you would go into a state of decline if you loose your flock, then I would not take the birds. IF you paid a lot of money for a very valuable flock and flock genetics, then I would not take the birds.

But if her birds look healthy, and you truly have room in your set up - as in measured, and you just love having a flock, realizing that some birds live longer than others, well then that is how I am, and I have taken several birds this way.

There is a real threat to possibly introducing a disease to your flock, there are people that go to auctions and swaps, and God only knows what those birds have been exposed to and that makes my blood run cold, but otherwise I think it will work. There are other people that never introduce a new bird other than a day old chick. It kind of depends on you.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

IF she is your friend, well you have probably been to see her chickens and she to see yours... already a breech. IF she has not added birds from swaps and auctions, but kept her birds from exposure to other birds... drastically diminished the probability.

Most true backyard setup, quarantine is impossible, and really you can't cheat at quarantine. You either do it, or you don't. To me, healthy looks healthy. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING YOU ARE SORRY FOR - that is a train wreck, no matter how you quarantine.

Excellent points!!

But here is some info on how to quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article

You also must think about space for integration...do you have a plan for that?