quarantee coops

[FrannyLW]

Not sure how to word this. I want to create a quarantee coop. Is there a cheap/efficient way of doing this. I already have an XL dog crate which I would want to add onto something. I am currently browsing ads for cheap chicken coops which will be great if I did find something cheap but how about large travel dog crates, or I was looking into this "Good Ideas mini chicken coop" Any other ideas. Thanks.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I might just mention, the smaller the chicken coop, the more problems they create. Close confinement causes fighting, require more frequent cleaning, more ventilation issues, etc..

 

[FrannyLW]

I might just mention, the smaller the chicken coop, the more problems they create. Close confinement causes fighting, require more frequent cleaning, more ventilation issues, etc..

I know. I will mention this is only for a week or less. and for 1-2 chickens.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

OK.

 

[Folly's place]

As a place to hold a chicken for a short time, a big dog crate or small coop will work. This is in no way a quarantine, just a brief separation.
Mary

 

[21hens-incharge]

A hoop coop with one panel would give approx 4'x8' and could be walked into. If I were to make one it would be something I did not tear down after a couple weeks.

True quarantine is nearly impossible for back yard chicken keepers.

I made a 3'x5' ground level coop with a short run just 5'x8' and 2.5' tall. I use it for hospital needs and bloody hens with chicks.

 

[Lisa G.]

I have used soft sided dog pen in my basement.

 

[flyin-lowe]

If you are planning to add to an existing flock you will need more then a 1 week quarantine. 4 weeks is the recommended amount of time. The last two times I have added to my flock it has been in the late summer/fall. I put them in my fenced in garden and made a temp shelter with a few skids and a tarp for a roof. It works fine for a month or so.

 

[aart]

Am going to assume that you are adding new chickens to your flock?

I know. I will mention this is only for a week or less. and for 1-2 chickens.

Might take longer than a week....
....and might not have room if this is still your coop.

Consider biological/medical quarantine:
BYC Medical Quarantine Article
BYC 'quarantine' search

Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock