I just recently lost my best layer to my friend's dog. My little bitty flock is down to 2. I am worried about how cold they will be with out their "big mama". I was considering buying a few 10 month old hens since I don't want to have pullets in the house this late in the year. Here are my hesitations: 1. How long do I need to seperate them (quarintine)? I don't have much space and only one coop. I could put them in a wire dog run during the day but during the night...? 2. I read horror stories of cooties being brought into the current flock and I freak out! How common are things that wipe out or make your hens ill? 3. It's been 3 days since we lost our girl, is it too soon to bring on another set of ladies? And then off the topic, is there anything that I need to be doing now that it's winter for my ladies to keep them comfortable? They have a hen house with no direct drafts but there is no source of heat. They are our free in the yard for the rest of the day. Thanks so much, ~S
Quarantine for 30 days. It is very unlikely you'll have them come up with cooties after 30 days. And since they will be quarantined, it's not too soon.
