Bio security question

[z3lda3]

Hi, I have a flock of 17 hens and roosters. Everyone is healthy and happy. They’re about a year old.

There is a person near ish me giving away her Silkies. She says she can’t afford them. I’d LOVE to have silkies, but I’m deathly scared about bringing in new birds into my flock. Even if I quarantined them, what if they’re asymptomatic or carriers of some disease? Is it worth the risk?

 

[Shadrach]

Hi, I have a flock of 17 hens and roosters. Everyone is healthy and happy. They’re about a year old.

There is a person near ish me giving away her Silkies. She says she can’t afford them. I’d LOVE to have silkies, but I’m deathly scared about bringing in new birds into my flock. Even if I quarantined them, what if they’re asymptomatic or carriers of some disease? Is it worth the risk?

No, especially not if you have gone to the effort of keeping a closed flock.

 

[Mrs. K]

Silkies often do not fit into an established flock of full size birds.

So if you don't have two coops and pens, I would pass.

 

[z3lda3]

No, especially not if you have gone to the effort of keeping a closed flock.

I have hatched my own eggs, or used a broody. I don’t even buy from hatcheries. You’re right, too risky! I just needed someone to keep me between the ditches, thanks!

 

[z3lda3]

Silkies often do not fit into an established flock of full size birds.

So if you don't have two coops and pens, I would pass.

I’ve got a mixed flock of standards and bantams. Actually my primary rooster is a bantam. And I have 3 coops and plenty of land. I just don’t want to bring something in on my birds. Sigh guess I just answered my own question.

 

[Shadrach]

I have hatched my own eggs, or used a broody. I don’t even buy from hatcheries. You’re right, too risky! I just needed someone to keep me between the ditches, thanks!

Mrs. K points out that Silkies may prove to be a dfficult integration something I would agree with.
Keep Silkies in another life. I know some people think they are super cute but frankly the Silkies I've known were as thick as two short planks.

 

[z3lda3]

Mrs. K points out that Silkies may prove to be a dfficult integration something I would agree with.
Keep Silkies in another life. I know some people think they are super cute but frankly the Silkies I've known a as thick as two short planks.

You know I’ve heard the same thing. A lot of people have told me silkies are cute but that’s about it. And my flock is nice and established, even when a broody hatches out a clutch, everyone just accepts the babies. Granted mama growling at any chicken walking by helps

 

[Chickenmomma9099]

You can, you will need to take more than 1 silkie and slowly integrate them so they don’t get bullied. If you have a rooster it’ll help with integrating. You’re supposed to quarantine the new chickens Ina separate(but secured) living area for a month where the other chickens can see, if they are all good for a month then they should be fine. There’s more on Google you can do your research on integrating new chickens into new flock. I would google with silkies though bc are smaller breed. Never get only 1 new chicken, I would get multiples depending on the size of your flock, I would get at least 4 though) so the 1 doesn’t get picked on alone.