Integrating a new Rooster?

[Ted Brown]

I did a bit of research.

Both hatcheries and bird shows are common sources of parasite infestations.

 

[aart]

I did a bit of research.

Both hatcheries and bird shows are common sources of parasite infestations.

Bird shows for sure, but hatcheries shouldn't be(at least not on chicks)?

'Private breeders' definitely can be pesty.

Have you spoken to our breeder yet?

 

[Sally PB]

Anyone can end up with lice/mites. While I'd *hope* a championship line breeder would be more on top of something like that... I suppose it could happen quickly, and they might not realize it right away.

I would certainly let the breeder know about this. Whether I went back to them for any more birds, that's where the "toughy" part comes in. How did they respond to me telling them? How badly do I want their birds?

 

[Ted Brown]

Bird shows for sure, but hatcheries shouldn't be(at least not on chicks)?

'Private breeders' definitely can be pesty.

Have you spoken to our breeder yet?

The articles (2) did not distinguish. My local feed store supplies both chicks and ready-to-lay (19 weeks) by the thousands through the spring/summer. Mites/lice are everywhere so I would assume they are present and treat accordingly.

No, have not communicated with breeder but the last couple of comments have convinced me to do so.

Thanks

 

[Ted Brown]

I took some time and composed texts to the breeder advising that Wilfred had lice. Hopefully expressed in acceptable words. Not sure that I expect a response.

My chicken friend was over yesterday again. She examined Wilfred carefully and found more dead & alive lice; re-applied Sulphur liberally. Plan for today is heat up the garage and spray him with Permethrin.

 

[Ted Brown]

Wilfred after his 1st Permethrin treatment.

 

[Sally PB]

He is stunning!

 

[Ted Brown]

Wilfred is through his 4 seven day lice elimination cycles this weekend. No sign of lice following the first treatment.

After some thought and a BYC consult I will begin the integration process slowly.

Rather than move the boy to the girls I will bring my 3 Chantecler hens to the boy in the quarantine cage. He will have a much easier time to "quickly" fertilize 3 than 16; I can isolate and learn to recognize my Chantecler eggs; in turn can verify that they are fertilized soonest.

Expecting another 2-4 weeks before I move them to the coop.

 

[Azaia]

Wilfred after his 1st Permethrin treatment.

I can see why you waited so long for him, he's a real beauty. Interesting thread too.

 

[Ted Brown]

I can see why you waited so long for him, he's a real beauty. Interesting thread too.

Thank you.

Wilfred was bred by a gentleman who has won best Chantecler Rooster at CFI. However he was deemed not show quality; breeder felt his comb was too large.

When I got him I was disappointed because his tail feathers did not stand erect. Later I realized the boy was badly infested with lice; as the picture shows Wilfred now stands tall.

My Chantecler flock will be a cross between birds from two of the top breeders in Canada.