Integrating new flock members

[clrdogrl]

Wasn’t sure if I should post here or in the managing flock section.

Adding 3 separate groups of chickens together (2, 5, and 2…all around the same age/size).

I have 3 different runs for quarantine but is there a general rule of thumb as to if I should give each group anything as a preventative since new ones will be added to the existing ground? Corrid, denegard, probiotics, vitamins, etc?

 

[clrdogrl]

Adding 3 separate groups of chickens together (2, 5, and 2…all around the same age/size).

I have 3 different runs for quarantine but is there a general rule of thumb as to if I should give each group anything as a preventative since new ones will be added to the existing ground? Corrid, denegard, probiotics, vitamins, etc?

 

[azygous]

It would be helpful to know the ages of these chickens. It would also be helpful to know the origin of the chickens. Private breeder, swap meet, hatchery/retail feed store. Are they all from the same source or different ones? Have any been vaccinated? If so, what vaccines?

There is no preventative for avian viruses or bacterial infection that may be dormant in the cells. Using a private breeder as a source or getting them from a public venue such as Craig's List or a swap meet risks importing dormant diseases where the carriers are asymptomatic.

Sorry to be introducing such uncertainty to your otherwise exciting endeavor, but these are all actual risks.

 

[clrdogrl]

I realize the uncertainty

It would be helpful to know the ages of these chickens. It would also be helpful to know the origin of the chickens. Private breeder, swap meet, hatchery/retail feed store. Are they all from the same source or different ones? Have any been vaccinated? If so, what vaccines?

There is no preventative for avian viruses or bacterial infection that may be dormant in the cells. Using a private breeder as a source or getting them from a public venue such as Craig's List or a swap meet risks importing dormant diseases where the carriers are asymptomatic.

Sorry to be introducing such uncertainty to your otherwise exciting endeavor, but these are all actual risks.

Good questions. They all range from 20-30 weeks - ish. 2 are my originals from this Spring from Tractor supply. I lost most of my flock to a fox while free ranging. Someone down the street had 2 at point of lay. She purchased about 150 this Spring from Blue Seal, raises them, and sells them to others (she has her own farm, sells eggs, etc). Then I picked up 5 from someone who was moving and purchased them this Spring from Tractor Supply as well. They're all in quarantine from each other for a few weeks. When I do integrate into the main run/coop, I wasn't sure if there was an SOP to follow. And since the new girls are on new ground, do I allow them systems to absorb all the current germs and nutrients or do I help them. I thought I read to treat new birds with Corrid but maybe I'm making that up?

 

[azygous]

Treating with the preventative dose of Corid is wise and something under your control. It will assist them in gaining resistance to any coccidia strains in your soil they may be new to.

Knowing the people who raised these pullets is helpful. If you've observed their flocks, then you would know if they've had problems with mysterious deaths preceded by lameness, also cancer. Same goes for chronic respiratory diseases.

As far as integrating them all together, the see/no touch method is simple and usually effective. Plan on around three weeks for them all to become used to one another and establish a social order.