Broody Hen, Shipped Eggs, Biosecurity Concerns

[FarmerFrank]

Long story short, one of my newer hens probably 8 months old has become broody. We don't have any roosters so our eggs are not fertile. I was considering ordering some fertile eggs and setting up a brooding box and run outside next to our existing coop and run. My question is, if she successfully hatches these eggs will I have any biosecurity concerns with the new chicks and the existing flock if the brooding coop and run share a fence side? Is that too close?

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

I would say no, people with closed flocks will get day olds and hatch eggs from different flocks, they cannot bring mites with them.... Not sure 100% so lets see what the more experienced folks say.

Gary

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Yes, there are risks, since eggs can bring with them some diseases, especially since they are usually not washed (which is good). Even so, the risk is very very low, just be aware that it does exist.

Even the chicks from the store can bring diseases with them, especially if the store lets any and everybody handle the chicks and then put them back in the bins.