Hi folks. I know there is information about quarantining new birds elsewhere on here, but does anyone have experience specific to my situation?
I have a small flock here in France - three girls and a wonderful, perfect Rooster!
I need to introduce two or three more birds as the Rooster is being over attentive to one of the girls, who is getting a bit threadbare, and we could use more eggs - always a great reason to drop in on friends and neighbours with a gift of delicious eggs.
My flock is completely free range in our garden (third of an acre, so plenty of space). They have a big coop that was an outbuilding. They feed mostly on what they find on the land, plus layers feed and treats from me. They are given no drugs, but have constant access to the usual natural preventative supplements - herbs, water with garlic, water with cider vinegar, diatomaceous earth, etc. No chemicals are used in the garden whatsoever.
I think my existing birds are healthy and, most importantly, hardy.
To quarantine new birds I would need to build a new coop and pen especially.
Do I dare introduce new birds (from a good local supplier) directly into my flock without quarantine?
Advice and experiences welcome.
Many thanks,
Rob
I have a small flock here in France - three girls and a wonderful, perfect Rooster!
I need to introduce two or three more birds as the Rooster is being over attentive to one of the girls, who is getting a bit threadbare, and we could use more eggs - always a great reason to drop in on friends and neighbours with a gift of delicious eggs.
My flock is completely free range in our garden (third of an acre, so plenty of space). They have a big coop that was an outbuilding. They feed mostly on what they find on the land, plus layers feed and treats from me. They are given no drugs, but have constant access to the usual natural preventative supplements - herbs, water with garlic, water with cider vinegar, diatomaceous earth, etc. No chemicals are used in the garden whatsoever.
I think my existing birds are healthy and, most importantly, hardy.
To quarantine new birds I would need to build a new coop and pen especially.
Do I dare introduce new birds (from a good local supplier) directly into my flock without quarantine?
Advice and experiences welcome.
Many thanks,
Rob