multiple questions from a newbie :)

[happyhens4me]

When I bought my girls(red sexlinks) from TSC in May; I originally got 7 but I gave 1 to my BFF's hubby. He had 3 hens he got from a "meat" poultry house, none of his hens have laid, including the one I gave him. Since none are laying, he wants to "harvest" the ones from the poultry house but is willing to give me back mine. How do I go about making sure she is not sick with the Avian flu or such from being around theses hens from a mass production poultry house? How do I keep my girls safe while introducing her? Do you think she will start laying? I don't understand why she hasn't laid at his place. Thank you for any input.

 

[chickenraiser24]

She may not be laying because of the of the move. Chickens usually do not like change. Unless she is sick, she should start laying in a few weeks. I'd keep her separate from the group until you are sure she is not sick.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[happyhens4me]

what signs should I look for to determine if shes sick? TIA

 

[chickenraiser24]

Sudden death without any signs, lack of coordination, purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs, lack of energy and appetite, diarrhea, swelling of the head, eyelids, and comb, decreased egg production, and coughing and sneezing.
Those are almost all of the symptoms for the avian flu in chickens. I can't remember all of them, but that should help.

 

[happyhens4me]

ok Thanks I think Im gonna rescue her so she dont get harvested. I will keep her separated for 3 weeks in a dog kennel and let her free range when my girls arent. Does that sound like a good plan? But Im really trying to talk him into giving all his hens another chance but someone told him production meat hens cant lay eggs.

 

[chickenraiser24]

Sounds like a good plan! It is too bad all those other hens will die, though. Good luck on trying to save those other hens! Fingers crossed that your hen is not sick.

 

[happyhens4me]

Thank you!

 

[drumstick diva]

If he has meat birds they are processed young before they are old enough to lay eggs.

 

[drumstick diva]

BTW I wouldn't risk avian flu or anything else by taking the hen back from him. It may sound cruel but, she could bring back something that will kill every bird you have.