How long should I quarantine?

[allison1027]

I got a new chick today in addition to the other 3 that I have. How long should I keep them apart, and is there anything in particular I should be looking for? So far everyone is eating/drinking/pooping great, and nobody has any obvious signs of respiratory nasties or external parasites. Thanks!

Allison

 

[roaminggnome61]

I will be adding to my flock in about a month. I am planning on quarantining my birds for a week or two. I will slowly move the portable coop closer and closer to the stationary pen so the girls will be able to get to know each other. I'm praying that this plan works.

 

[allison1027]

Good luck! I thought a week would be enough too, but I wanted to be sure.

 

[debilorrah]

how old are they chicks and were they purchased from the same place?

 

[allison1027]

They weren't purchased...my next-door neighbor gave me the older 3 and someone came into my work with the new one. Their photos are in the breed/gender section...I don't even know what they are, but they are all already hand-tame.

Our chicken house is ready for them, but I they aren't together yet and I don't want to risk spreading any disease in my new little rescue birds.

 

[nancypo]

I put my 3rd in the 2 I got on Sunday, everyone's healthy from what I can tell...

 

[Kittymomma]

I quarantine for a month. I guess less time would be ok if they all come from the same place, but I don't think a week is long enough otherwise.

 

[allison1027]

Ok thanks! I can keep him in a brooder for a month if that would be best. How can I introduce the newbie to the other three to minimize the risk of bullying?

 

[Kittymomma]

Slowly. After quarantine is over I pen them so they can see each other, but not have actual contact. After a couple of weeks I let them out together and watch. If all goes well--some chasing and pecking is ok, but not endless abuse and no blood--I put them all together at night on the roost. I find it help to give them a cabbage or suet block so they have something besides the newbie to peck at for the day. If at all possible I'd get another chick to keep the new one company. A month is a long time for a flock animal to be alone and integration will be easier if there are two of them as well.

How old are your other chicks?

 

[allison1027]

I can do slowly. I can also keep them together after a while with no contact. I can't get another chick, because hubby says no more until the ones I actually ordered arrive (in May).

Not sure how old the other chicks are, since they were given to me...not sure how old this one is either, but its definitely younger. If I had to guess on the older ones, I'd say 4-5 weeks, but thats a very uneducated guess. Their pictures are on the breed/gender threads. If you'd like to take a guess I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for your help!