I want to keep chickens again but it’s tough preventing disease

[QuackerzzMB]

Hello, I used to own upwards 40 chickens when I was 11 years old. We ended up having to put them all down because of a Upper respiratory illness that made them carriers for life.

I haven’t been on this site for a long time and being on it lately made me realize I miss owning chickens.

But I’m wondering how do other people handle raising chickens when they aren’t very disease resistant and die pretty easily unlike ducks and geese?

Aside from the infectious disease I took really good care of my birds food wise, ventilation etc but I did slack on quarantining because I was so young and didn’t know better. I know what I did wrong now but I’m still having issues getting past all the diseases they can get it’s kind of intimidating.

Thank you in advance to anyone who responds!

 

[sourland]

If you do decide to get birds again, I would suggest going through a NPIP certified breeder and maintaining a closed self perpetuating flock. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Being very careful about biosecurity is the most important thing you can do to prevent contagious illnesses in your flock. It's also wonderful if you don't have a close neighbor who brings home 'random source' birds!
Chicks bought from safe hatcheries, vaccinated against Marek's disease, should be fine, and limit your flock additions to either more such hatchery chicks, or home raised.
One horrible experience is enough! You will be so much more careful this second time, and have fun with your new birds!
Then again, ducks are very nice too.
Mary

 

[aart]

I would suggest going through a NPIP certified breeder and maintaining a closed self perpetuating flock.

That won't guarantee no respiratory illness as most NPIPers don't test for that.

I think getting chicks from a hatchery and keeping a closed flock is the safest bet.
An incubator, and a cock/erel, will allow you to add a few new layers every year and put some meat in the pot.