Need Advice ... Getting New Chickens!

[BrittChick15]

Hello! I’m looking to pick up some started pullets from a lady in my area. She sent me pictures and they seem to be healthy happy birds. However I currently have my own backyard flock. I know it’s recommended to quarantine new birds... but what is the bare minimum. My fiancé is going to have a flipping canary when he seems hens in our garage!!! any info or advice is greatly appreciated thank you!

 

[Chullicken]

I'd say a couple of weeks just to be sure, can't be to cautious with these things. So excited for you! Keep us updated~

 

[BrittChick15]

[QUOTE="Chullicken, - I want to do at least two weeks I think that’s what I read but 4 weeks would drive him crazy yes I’m so excited! 2 Splash laced red Wyandotte and one silver laced Wyandotte

 

[Mrs. K]

Truly quarantining is nearly impossible in a small set up. And if you don't do quarantine properly, you are just pretending to do it. It is a real risk when you add birds. If you would go into a decline if something happened to your original birds, do not add strange birds.

However, healthy generally looks healthy. If the person you are getting them from, keeps a flock in good conditions, and her flock looks healthy, I think it is a reasonable risk, others do not.

Do NOT EVER take something you feel sorry for. That is asking for a train wreck. I also would not buy birds in an auction or swap. Those birds have been exposed to all sorts of other poultry and highly stressed.

But from an established flock, not too far from you, with birds raised pretty much like yours, really in a way, those birds have been in quarantine away from your flock.

And my husband of 40 years, barely tolerates a week of baby chicks in the garage.


Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

I NEVER bring in outside birds! Chicks from good hatcheries, yes. Birds from anyone else, NO WAY!
Actual quarantine is easily four weeks, totally separate and away from your birds, with zero cross contamination. Then either add one of your birds as a sacrificial lamb, to see what happens, and/ or have testing done to see if there's MG, MS, or Marek's disease present.
Short of that, you just take your chances.
Things will probably turn out fine, but how will you feel if disaster strikes?
It's about having good luck, and where your comfort zone is.
How about cute chicks in spring instead?
Mary

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Good luck with your new birds! Wishing you all the best. Can you post some pictures when you get them? They sound really interesting!

 

[gtaus]

Hello! I’m looking to pick up some started pullets from a lady in my area. She sent me pictures and they seem to be healthy happy birds. However I currently have my own backyard flock. I know it’s recommended to quarantine new birds... but what is the bare minimum. My fiancé is going to have a flipping canary when he seems hens in our garage!!! any info or advice is greatly appreciated thank you!

Quarantine the fiancé, it doesn't get easier when married. I'm the husband in my family, and have successfully worked things out with Dear Wife for 30+ years. Chickens in the garage temporarily is small stuff compared to what most married couples I know have to face at one time or another in their lives together.

As to quarantining the birds themselves, I have no experience.

 

[BrittChick15]

Mrs K
[/QUOTE]
No these pullets look to be well taken care for! They were raised on a small farm not too far from me. She is just thinning her flock from my understanding. She sent pictures and they all seem very healthy. But yes I’m right there with you! My fiancé hates when I bring an injured bird into the garage to care for it or if I get new chicks. So I may just keep them in my enclosed shed for 2 weeks, that should also help to keep them acclimated to the weather temperature without being out in the elements.

 

[aart]

BYC Medical Quarantine Article

 

[BrittChick15]

Quarantine the fiancé, it doesn't get easier when married. I'm the husband in my family, and have successfully worked things out with Dear Wife for 30+ years. Chickens in the garage temporarily is small stuff compared to what most married couples I know have to face at one time or another in their lives together.

As to quarantining the birds themselves, I have no experience.

If I could quarantine him I would!!!! He does get unreasonable at points but he’s just not into the chickens like I am or the farming aspect like I am. So I sorta understand his frustration but oh well. I may keep the new girls in our shed (enclosed) to also help them stay acclimated to the outside temp.