Adding rescue chicken

[Nolagurl1956]

hi, I’ve read that integration of a new hen to the flock is critical. What I need advice on is for how long? I have 2 SLW hens and think I have found a good home for at least one of the SLW Roos. My silvers are about 6months old. I’m bringing in a older hen, don’t know anything about her except she has just been roaming a neighborhood for a while and is already laying. She will be delivered to me in a large dog carrier so she will be separated. I’ve read about the potential for pecking and guess my greatest concern is diseases or illnesses. So please advise, how long in solitary confinement? Thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

I am not a huge advocate of quarantine, most people do not have the space or discipline required. It is intensive. However, I would not add a rescue bird to my flock, as who knows what they have been exposed to.

Another look though, what do you mean around the neighborhood? If this bird has been close to your birds, hanging around your coop/run, well quarantine is broken.

I would closely examine for lice and mites.

Mrs K

 

[Mrs. K]

oh 30 days, as far apart as possible (more than 33 feet), change your clothes and shoes between birds.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

I am not a huge advocate of quarantine, most people do not have the space or discipline required. It is intensive. However, I would not add a rescue bird to my flock, as who knows what they have been exposed to.

Another look though, what do you mean around the neighborhood? If this bird has been close to your birds, hanging around your coop/run, well quarantine is broken.

I would closely examine for lice and mites.

Mrs K

No, the new hen is from a different part of town. Oh my! Thanks Mrs. K

 

[Nolagurl1956]

oh 30 days, as far apart as possible (more than 30 feet), change your clothes and shoes between birds.

Looks as if I screwed up big time... maybe I need to renig on my offer. For one thing I use a wheelchair and can’t possibly change out my wheels.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you haven't brought her in, you have not screwed up.

 

[MROO]

No, the new hen is from a different part of town. Oh my! Thanks Mrs. K

Check and treat her for lice and mites, worm her, and have her tested, much as you would if you were selling or shipping her. While you're waiting for the test results to come back ( keep her a few dozen feet away from everyone else, close enough to see and talk, but nowhere near enough to carry any "nasties" across.
Once your results are cleared - our Ag Ext Office takes from two to six weeks - you will have observed your new lady for long enough to know if she's carrying any respiratory or other surprises. From there, you should be good to go for putting her crate/kennel close enough to touch and socialize for a bit before you turn the girls loose together.
In the meantime, as much as it's a pain, you really do need to take care not to cross-contaminate your existing flock. If you do them first, then your new friend, just put the old clothes in the wash before you go back to your original birds. It's a nuisance, but it's a VERY smart move!

 

[MROO]

If you don't run the wheelchair directly into your coop or run, the wheels shouldn't touch anything that could cause a problem.
It sounds like the damsel in distress needs a hero to rescue her! Maybe the thing to do is have the hen tested before you pick her up. Then your quarantine won't need to be as stringent.

 

[dotporter]

I honestly don't think you'd need to renig.

quarantine on my farm is putting the bird in a large dog cage. The cage has a metal pull out bottom so that droppings are contained (a cage skirt is also handy to keep in poop and if a bird coughs or sneezes). The cage has it's own food and water dish so that there is no cross contamination.

My birds are in the barn. Quarantined birds go in the garage where they can be observed and also treated for parasites. I'd recommend Always treating for parasites.

i have hand sanitizer both in the garage and in the barn. Hand sanitizer every time I go in and out (notice, that's in and out, not just after you handle a bird.)

With a little care there is no need to worry about washing shoes or clothing.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

If you haven't brought her in, you have not screwed up.

Thank you thank you thank you.