How do you safely buy chickens from a breeder?

[susanah]

We have bought chickens 3 times through hatcheries and have had no problems. But I would like to get some breeds/colors not sold by hatcheries. I'm thinking we are more likely to pick up disease from a breeder's backyard chickens than some inside a hatchery. How safe is this? My daughter has a chicken that she just loves and I don't want to chance bringing something unsafe into the flock. Should I just leave well enough alone and stick with what we have. Is it a big gamble to bring more birds in?

 

[Chickenpoor]

One thing you could do if you were going to get breeder birds is make sure the breeder is NPIP certified and has his birds tested.

 

[Fred's Hens]

A time of separation and health inspection is sensible for bringing in birds. Certified or not, it only makes sense.

 

[lilliesanchicks]

Always quarantine new chickens no matter where you get them from.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/biosecurity-for-the-rest-of-us

 

[leghornfarm]

All above excellent advice.