Not a lot of Space. Should I Quarantine?

[bluenow]

Hi,

I have 3 hens, and I'm going to get 2 more from a local feed store that raises them from chicks. I've read that when quarantining new birds they should be at least 100 ft away from the other chickens. My backyard isn't big enough to keep them that far away, maybe 30 ft max. I have a garage, but it's really dark and cold, and I don't think it would be a great place to keep them.

So, is it worth it to even try and quarantine them?

Thanks.

 

[Kiki]

Hi there!

If you don't have the space you don't have the space.
Not many BYCer have the space to properly quarantine.

Just be prepared in case you bring illness into your flock.

 

[bluenow]

Ok. is there any point in keeping them separated by, say, 20 feet?

 

[Eggcessive]

You could keep them in the garage in a large dog crate with food and water for 30 days. They should be able to with stand the cold since they have all their feathers. How old are they, and are they close in size to your other hens?

Quarantine is best because hens raised by someone else can be exposed to many chicken diseases. Moving them can stress them enough to bring out symptoms. Watch for any sneezing, wheezing, rattly breathing, head shaking, watery or bubbly eyes. Look them over for mites or lice around their vents and elsewhere. Watch them for signs of coccidiosis, and if they show any, get Corid from your feed store. Symptoms are lethargy, standing hunched, diarrhea, not eating, and fluffed feathers.

You may want to read about some of the threads where people bring hom started pullets, and it only takes one sick birds to make all birds carriers for life.

 

[Shadrach]

Yes. A full quarantine is difficult for many people. But, even if you can just stop physical contact between the new and existing you may avoid passing something unpleasant on.
You can only do what you have space for, but make use of the space you have.

 

[Eggcessive]

Also use good biosecurity measures, such as handwashing, changing shoes or clothing between caring for chickens if possible.

 

[bobbi-j]

Use your judgement. If they don’t look healthy, don’t bring them home. If it would devastate you to lose the ones you already have, don’t bring them home even if they do look healthy.

 

[bluenow]

Thanks for the responses. I decided to build them a little coop/run that's separate from the others. It's only about 20ft away, but maybe that distance will be enough for some things if the new girls have anything bad.

 

[sawilliams]

If your getting chicks you will needed to brood them first with a heat lamp and such. By time they are ready to move in with the flock they will be well quarantined. With fall approaching it will be 6-8 weeks before the chicks can handle out door temps safely on thier own

 

[bobbi-j]

Actually, chicks will be just fine in an outdoor coop with a MHP brooder if you have electricity to your coop. Even when I used heat lamps my chicks were started outdoors.