Buying a few new pullets today. How can I tell if they are healthy?

[TinyLittleFarm]

We are adding 3 pullets who are about 3 months old to our flock today. Our 8 week old chicks we raised from day olds. I am buying the pullets from the same local breeder that I bought my chicks from, and her farm and chickens look to be very well cared for. The new birds will be quarantined for a while. Does it need to be a whole month?

When I go and pick out the new girls, I'm wondering if you could give me some tips on what to look for to make sure they seem healthy. I know to look at their feet and check for leg mites and bumblefoot, look for signs of lice or mites, given them a general check over for wounds or missing feather or other signs of distress.

What am I missing? What questions should I ask of the breeder? Like I said, I do think she runs a reputable business, but I really don't want to bring home any sick birds.

Thank you for your advice!

 

[CoopCrazy]

Look for nice clear eyes, not foggy or dull .... Clean feathering , nice red combs, I would inspecta round the vent for mites as well.. I dont always do the 30 day quaratine but many do and if you can I would recommend it...

 

[rancher hicks]

Even though you've bought from her before I would quarantine. I'm glad I saw this post as I'm going to an auction today and I have no place to put birds in quarantine. I'm even leary of buying hatching eggs. Any chickens owners in NYS, need to understand this if I post to sell eggs or chickens.

So what to do? I would quarantine them and give them vitamins for awhile. Watch the poop, compare it to the poop site. Watch for growth, behaviour. Are they roosting ok? Are they active, energetic when you give them treats? Feathers shine, combs red? Dust for mites, just in case. Quarantine them AWAY from your other birds. In a garage or shed not in close proximity to your other birds. If you can't do 30 days then 2 weeks at least.