Do I really need to quarantine?

[kwhites634]

I'm down to one hen. The other two were eaten by a hawk .I have the opportunity to get a few more layers from a local backyard chicken owner for free. She raised them from chicks and they are a year old (about the same age as my hen). We were going to add them in the evening. I don't want to wait because my hen is probably lonely. Is this a bad idea?

No, not a bad idea at all; not if you don't mind risking the health, or life, of your remaining hen. What's worse, loneliness/death or health. I agree with only two of the responses that addressed quarantine; Rae's & Aart's.

 

[ehoneybee]

No, not a bad idea at all; not if you don't mind risking the health, or life, of your remaining hen. What's worse, loneliness/death or health. I agree with only two of the responses that addressed quarantine; Rae's & Aart's.

I have 2 coops now and will keep our hen in hers and butt the other one against it with the other 2 we bring home today. I was planning to let them in the run together and then see where they roost at night, but I can wait a week. We are going to pick up more hens next weekend and by then I had hoped to integrate this flock and then separate the other 4 when we get them and then integrate them all within the week.

 

[drumstick diva]

I think you are making the right choice. Hope you will update to yet us know how things work out.

 

[ehoneybee]

She doesn't like the new hens

 

[ehoneybee]

She doesn't like the new hens

What do I do if she's attacking them? I wanted to put them out in the yard together but I'm afraid something will happen.

 

[aart]

What do I do if she's attacking them? I wanted to put them out in the yard together but I'm afraid something will happen.

Some tips here...did you miss them?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/do-i-really-need-to-quarantine.1232966/page-2#post-19787505

 

[h2oratt]

One of the worst diseases you can’t quarantine for, mareks.

It doesn’t show up until around 9 months.

 

[Kruchti]

I like the two coop idea! She maybe needs a few days to accept that they are on her yard! This gives her time to accept them. Keep us posted!

 

[ehoneybee]

Some tips here...did you miss them?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/do-i-really-need-to-quarantine.1232966/page-2#post-19787505

Yes I did. They're out and shes ignoring or running at them. She's not hurting them

I can't have them eat together in separate coops because it's hardware cloth between them.

 

[ehoneybee]

One of the worst diseases you can’t quarantine for, mareks.

It doesn’t show up until around 9 months.

These birds are a year old. Not sure how anyone can avoid that if they're introducing new chickens?