Getting new birds, how to prepare?

[Phantom_k9]

We are going to pick up 4 new silkies from some friends. I know we need to quarantine them for a while, but for how long / what else i am not sure. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[JedJackson]

Quarantine for at least two weeks. Then, if all goes well, keep them in a separate area in the coop or in a cage for a while to let the new flock mates get used to each other. From there, introduce them to the flock. There will be fights. The flock has to sort out a new pecking order. Don't intervene unless things get bad or blood is drawn.

 

[Mrs. K]

A lot depends on:

• where are you getting them from, what kind of set up
• how big your current set up is
• how many and what kind of birds do you already have in your flock.

True quarantine is rather difficult to do in a small backyard set up. Nearly impossible. And if you do not do a true one, you are just pretending to quarantine. But all is not lost. You can add birds more safely by:

• get birds from someone like your own set up
• get birds from people that do not go to shows, auctions or swaps
• do not get any bird that you feel sorry for
• do check them over for parasites - mites, and lice

That is not 100%, if you already have a very valuable flock, or if you would go into a state of decline if you loose your flock, you should not add birds unless they are day old chicks, or you can do a thorough and complete quarantine.

Good luck
Mrs K

 

[Phantom_k9]

A lot depends on:

• where are you getting them from, what kind of set up
• how big your current set up is
• how many and what kind of birds do you already have in your flock.

True quarantine is rather difficult to do in a small backyard set up. Nearly impossible. And if you do not do a true one, you are just pretending to quarantine. But all is not lost. You can add birds more safely by:

• get birds from someone like your own set up
• get birds from people that do not go to shows, auctions or swaps
• do not get any bird that you feel sorry for
• do check them over for parasites - mites, and lice

That is not 100%, if you already have a very valuable flock, or if you would go into a state of decline if you loose your flock, you should not add birds unless they are day old chicks, or you can do a thorough and complete quarantine.

Good luck
Mrs K

Thanks for the tips! We got them from a friend of ours who was afraid their HOA was going to fine them. The were in a small coop in a small backyard, and our flock is free ranged on about 2.5 acres. Currently planning to keep the new guys in the garage for two weeks (I would do three, but I could barely convince my mom to let us do two), and introduce them slowly. Set up wise, we should be fine.