Adding a new stray chicken

[lovemyflock]

I have a flock of 7 hens that are just over a year old. A friend of mine found a day old chick on the side of the road and picked it up. She has been keeping it for 12 days, but is now in the hospital for cancer treatment and needs to find it a permanent home.

I do not want to comprimise the health of my birds. I love my flock and would hate for a new bird to bring in a disease. My birds were not vaccinated.

This chick most likely came from a chicken house, since there are a couple houses at the end of the street where it was found. I realize these birds don't live as long as egg layers, I have owned stray chickens in the past, but not since having my own flock. I also know that I would have to raise this chick separate until it is large enough to defend itself against my hens.

How much of a risk does bringing in a chick like this pose? At what age would a fast-growing "meat chicken" be able to be introduced to my large breed flock?

The chick will not live if I don't take it. What would you do?

 

[BluegrassSeramas]

I'd take it -----or call the humane society. If I brought it home, I would quarantine it and practice good biosecurity measures while keeping it separate. (Like never touching it BEFORE my home flock, and lots of disinfecting etc..)

I guess it depends on if you want another bird....
I think that you would be fine.

 

[Imp]

I'd wait a while before putting a 12 day old in with 1 year olds. I'd get it a friend and keep separate for a few months.
Definitely quarantine for at least a month before exposing them to each other.

Good luck,
Imp

 

[Dixiedoodle]

It sounds like you have another bird! LOL

Do you own or can you borrow a large pet crate? The large plastic kind. You will want to keep it completely separate for at least 30 days. Then you could put her into a cage that is visible from the coop, maybe in the coop but where she is safe from the rest of the flock.. She might need to be at least 20weeks old before she can be introduced into the flock..

It will be a commitment to keep her--as it is with any other living creature. YOU will have to decide if you can manage and if her life will be better w/you or someone else.

 

[lurky]

Anytime you add any new bird, your entire flock is at risk. I would create an area to keep the little one for a while. Birds can be carriers of things but not get sick themselves, then infect the flock. Even after quarantine i believe there is still risk. I wonder what it is.......pheasant, quail, turkey

That will be interesting to find out.