I screwed up and didn’t quarantine- now what?

[slou]

we just got 5 new chicks to keep another pullet (whose 3 sisters were all killed a few days ago, I posted about it earlier and am so heartbroken) company. Unfortunately I was so eager to get her some new friends that I combined them right away and it was a total disaster : (
Our solo pullet is 12 weeks old and the woman who sold us the new ones said they were 7 weeks which was the oldest (non adult) chicks I could find right now.
They have a barrier up in the cage but my older girl is so aggressive to all the new chicks. Plus I didn’t separate them to quarantine before combining them. I feel awful, if I lose this last girl of the original small group of pullets I will be beyond heartbroken.
Is there anything I can do to minimize infection at this point? What are the chances something will go wrong health wise?

 

[pennyJo1960]

Try to separate the others to dog crate.. where do you live is illness a big issue there

 

[sylviethecochin]

Honestly, I wouldn't want to raise a lone girl for the minimum two week quarantine. It's not good for them to be alone. Check the new guys' poops to make sure they look normal, check their eyes, keep the area clean, and keep an eye on the situation.

What was the seller like? Did she let you visit her farm and was it clean? Can you check to make sure that there's no little parasite hangers-on?

I'd put up a screen (fine mesh) between them until they get used to each other.

 

[Skipper81]

Honestly I think there is too much of an age difference right now I would let the 7 week olds get to around 10 weeks before they enter a pecking order ordeal even if it's just 1 older hen pecking because she is almost twice there age
I had chicks 3 weeks apart and had to wait for the little ones to catch up size wise because a dominant older hen could establish pecking order for a week or more before easing up on the little guys. Hope this helps

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x sylviethecochin ... Give the 7wks a good look over, if the seller's place was clean & her flock healthy, keep them with the 12wk but separate in another cage with food & water IN the coop. Or section off a section with wire/mesh for the 7wks = See but No Touch. Best Wishes

 

[slou]

Try to separate the others to dog crate.. where do you live is illness a big issue there

I live in Northern California/Bay Area. I only know 2 other people with small flocks (I live in the suburbs) so not sure of what illnesses go around although we’ve had things before with our flocks in the past.
The woman who sold them to me said she has 3,000 chickens but I didn’t get to see the operation as she brought the ones I was interested in our to her front yard area. She is from a big local family that owns a major store in that town (about 30 min from me) so I’m hoping that means she is reputable bc I had never bought from her before. She is being responsive when I text her (I am doubtful the chicks are even 7 weeks they are so small so I wanted to confirm with her).
So you think it makes sense to separate now even though they’ve been in cage together already for over 24 hours?

 

[slou]

2x sylviethecochin ... Give the 7wks a good look over, if the seller's place was clean & her flock healthy, keep them with the 12wk but separate in another cage with food & water IN the coop. Or section off a section with wire/mesh for the 7wks = See but No Touch. Best Wishes

Thank you!!

 

[slou]

Honestly I think there is too much of an age difference right now I would let the 7 week olds get to around 10 weeks before they enter a pecking order ordeal even if it's just 1 older hen pecking because she is almost twice there age
I had chicks 3 weeks apart and had to wait for the little ones to catch up size wise because a dominant older hen could establish pecking order for a week or more before easing up on the little guys. Hope this helps

Thank you, that is helpful to know that size is as important as age in terms of when to let them establish a new pecking order!

 

[Teila]

I too have been down to one very lonely chicken and because she was so lonely, had to take the risk of waiving quarantine. While I am not promoting this path, in this case, as those have mentioned above; probably best now just to separate them with some wire for a couple of weeks so that they can get used to each other and be company for your lone gal.

Depending on how long they have already been together, the horse may already have bolted per say and if there is going to be any damage, already done. Do not feel bad though, you were trying to do right by your lonely gal and chances are, all will be OK.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

we just got 5 new chicks to keep another pullet (whose 3 sisters were all killed a few days ago, I posted about it earlier and am so heartbroken) company. Unfortunately I was so eager to get her some new friends that I combined them right away and it was a total disaster : (
Our solo pullet is 12 weeks old and the woman who sold us the new ones said they were 7 weeks which was the oldest (non adult) chicks I could find right now.
They have a barrier up in the cage but my older girl is so aggressive to all the new chicks. Plus I didn’t separate them to quarantine before combining them. I feel awful, if I lose this last girl of the original small group of pullets I will be beyond heartbroken.
Is there anything I can do to minimize infection at this point? What are the chances something will go wrong health wise?

You'll be ok just separate them. They need to be acclimated so they can see each other, but not touch. Some of my hens are slightly aggressive so I kept my chicks separated - but still able to see - for about 2 months. When I let them all mingle with no walls there was not 1 fight or issue. Also you want to make sure your chicks are at LEAST half the size of your other hen.. preferably the same size. The chicks will be able to defend themselves then or at least run faster. They will eventually all be ok.