Turns out one of our two hens was a rooster. . . So our friend and local hatchery offered to trade him for two 5 week old chicks. So we did. We only wanted one since it's just me and my wife but she said you want at least 2 to be buddies during introduction. So now we have one 9 month old and VERY broody orpington alone in her coop and two 5 week olds in a box in the garage.
Now I know that if I were getting adult birds that I would have to quarantine them for 30+ days before introducing them but since these are 5 weekers and still chicks is that necessary?
I kind of feel like I should quarantine them still just to be safe. If I do that they will be 9 weekers when I introduce them to Ms. Broody. I doubt the old switcheroo trick will work, meaning I don't think she will be fooled into playing mama with chicks that old. What do you think?
I don't want to get Ms. Broody sick or the chicks but I would like to introduce them as soon as possible to give her company in the now empty coop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. THANKS
Now I know that if I were getting adult birds that I would have to quarantine them for 30+ days before introducing them but since these are 5 weekers and still chicks is that necessary?
I kind of feel like I should quarantine them still just to be safe. If I do that they will be 9 weekers when I introduce them to Ms. Broody. I doubt the old switcheroo trick will work, meaning I don't think she will be fooled into playing mama with chicks that old. What do you think?
I don't want to get Ms. Broody sick or the chicks but I would like to introduce them as soon as possible to give her company in the now empty coop. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. THANKS