My coop is finally built and instead of waiting til Spring for chicks I will be adopting 4 pullets and a rooster from a client who has too many. What can I do or expect after introducing them to their new digs?
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This. I have wild birds in the run all the time, never had an issue.How does one avoid their chickens coming into contact with wild birds, short of keeping them locked in an entirely enclosed coop? Even if they're in a run, birds can and will roost on top of the run, pooping in it and dropping parasites if that's what your concern is. My birds free range, and as far as I know have never had a problem with parasites - internal or external.
OP, sounds like your chickens will do just fine. I truly believe that being able to roam keeps them healthier.(Well, except for potential predator problems, but as far as illness goes...) I don't know if you're planning on free ranging or not, or if you have a run attached to your coop, but here's what I do: When I move my chickens from one coop to another, or get new ones, I keep them locked in their run/coop area for about a week or so. That way they can recognize their new location as home. They will then return there to roost at night. If you don't have an attached run, but your coop is large enough to keep them in for a week, that's what I would suggest.
where the issue typically is with free range, is when they come in contact with bird's nests on the ground. in this area for instance, killdeer nest on the ground. if they have fowl mites especially, they will infest the nest and surrounding areas. and yes, internal parasites can be spread by manure, especially coccidiosis. nearly every North American flock has some sort of parasite, it is actually better for a chicken to have a mild case of worms than to be worm free. a few worms encourage eating and drinking bringing more nutrients into the body. most people will also experience either lice or mites or even both in their first year.How does one avoid their chickens coming into contact with wild birds, short of keeping them locked in an entirely enclosed coop? Even if they're in a run, birds can and will roost on top of the run, pooping in it and dropping parasites if that's what your concern is. My birds free range, and as far as I know have never had a problem with parasites - internal or external.
OP, sounds like your chickens will do just fine. I truly believe that being able to roam keeps them healthier.(Well, except for potential predator problems, but as far as illness goes...) I don't know if you're planning on free ranging or not, or if you have a run attached to your coop, but here's what I do: When I move my chickens from one coop to another, or get new ones, I keep them locked in their run/coop area for about a week or so. That way they can recognize their new location as home. They will then return there to roost at night. If you don't have an attached run, but your coop is large enough to keep them in for a week, that's what I would suggest.