Morning folks,
Something has come to my attention that I think needs addressing. In my years of having chickens I have read far more than I probably should have, but plenty to be sure. Please if you are new to chickens keep an open mind that there are many and differing opinions of how to house and feed and in general keep chickens.
Clearly a waterer that works in Florida, made from a used toilet tank is not the best design for the north east.
On the other hand, warnings of introducing new birds to your flock should be considered. I recently read of a person who did not quarantine three hens she housed for a friend and lost her entire flock.
That said, I'll get to the point. There is nothing wrong nor dangerous in introducing new birds to an established flock if that bird or birds has been properly quarantined and deemed healthy. To be sure "where" and "who" you acquire the bird from is very important.
DO NOT assume because you are hatching purchased eggs from away or chicks from different people that that will guaranteee there will be no problems. Even buying from so called "breeders" of good reputation might present a problem, as I found out this past year.
Which brings me to another point. Try to know the person you are acquireing birds from. Of course genetics plays a role and it won't guarantee there will be no problems, but you can reduce your chances by knowing the person and their reputation. Do they practice Biosecurity? Do they keep a closed flock?
Each of my coops has birds that were introduced after they were grown.
My marans coop has a Sussex who is a very good layer. The marans purchased as chicks from an on line auction from NC, the Sussex as a grown hen here.
My BR's were purchased from MO as chicks and the two SLW's gifts from a friend as adults.
My Orpingtons as chicks in PA and my CR's hatched as egg from GA the RIR hatched from eggs from AL and the EE's hatched from eggs gotten from a local friend.
My Dels as chicks hatched from eggs from GA and my own, others purchased as chicks from a breeder in MO. My first five grown Dels purchased in NY (they were hard to find) were kept in poor conditions and smelled so bad I drove home with the windows on the car open and promptly quarantined them. I was new to chickens at the time.
Back to the person who lost her entire flock. This is what she was told by her vet.
"He indicated that the Cinnamon Queens were likely carriers of the disease and that the stress of the move caused the disease to become active."
This is why you quarantine. A perfectly healthy bird can become sick simply from the stress of a move. The Cinnamon Queens were purchased from someone on Craigslist. Did they know the person? I don't know. Also it's worth mentioning that Cinnamon Queens are a hybrid and they are known to be more susceptible to diseases. At least that's what I've read, in Practical Poultry magazine.
Quarantine does not mean keeping them in separate cages, coops or pens. It means keeping them AWAY from you established flock in separate areas of your home. It can be in a garage or barn or coop where your other birds can not get near them. As far away as possible. Where they don't share the same air space preferably.
Condensed what I'm saying is, if you practice good steward ship of your flock you will have fewer problems. If you use caution in acquireing your eggs, chicks and chickens you can keep those problems to a minimum.
Never make assumptions. Problems may arise but such is life, I always say.
Oh and one last thing. If you do have problems don't be afraid to notify the person who you acquired your birds from. If they get upset and defensive, don't do business with them again. A good steward will want to know.
I wish you well,
Rancher
