quarentine ??

[patandchickens]

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Like MissPrissy says, as far apart as possible, in a separate building, preferably downwind.

Would it help to medicate new birds during their quarentine, as a precaution?

Me, I wouldn't.

1) you can only medicate against bacteria (and protozoa, and parasites, but they're less of an issue), not viruses really, and an awful lot of chicken ailments are viral.

B) There are too many antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria floating around already, the world does not need more casual unnecessary antibiotic use (which this would be) making *more* resistant bugs.

And third, an awfully large percentage of chicken illnesses are viruses that the bird will continue to shed through its lifetime even if it appears cured, and to whatever extent there are treatments that can coddle the bird along, I honestly think you're better off letting new birds show whatever germs they're carrying so you can decide whether you *really* want that going into your flock.

JMHO,

Pat​

 

[speckledhen]

I agree. I do not use antibiotics AT ALL. Any birds that contract respiratory illnesses will be culled if that ever happens, pets or not. And this isnt easy for me to say because ALL my chickens are pets, every last one of them. Every one has a name, every one comes to her/his name.

As far as quarantine, people think I'm a broken record, but I've been saying it for over a year now and I see no reason to change my tune now-quarantine is not breathing the same air because many illnesses are airborne.

I think MissPrissy and I share that Queen of Quarantine title, don't we, Priss?

 

[KKluckers]

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I agree with you Cyn. I would cull right away to if any of my girls had a respiratory disease. I have my new chickens quarantined in the barn far-far away from the other chickens on the other side of the farm. I always take care of them last. I also decided to make it a 6 week quarantine to because pox could take that long to show up. Im just glad we have really knowledgeable lady's (speckledhen, Missprissy) to teach us about the possible consequences if we dont quarantine birds.

 

[speckledhen]

Christina, it will be much easier to say than do, if that time ever comes for me. I may need the support of BYC if I ever am in the position of having to put down one of my very special girls. My head knows it's necessary for the health of my remaining flock, but my heart will be torn. I just pray that time never comes. Your new birds are gorgeous, by the way!

 

[MissPrissy]

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I want pink glitter on my crown - what color should they put on yours? LOL

Unless you are willing to risk every chicken you own there is no other way except to quarretine.

 

[KKluckers]

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Thanks Cyn. I know I would be so upset if I lost some of my special girls too. Like you said, I just hope it never happens.

 

[eggchel]

They can spend an indefinite time in quarantine and not show any symptoms if they are carriers of a virus, although the stress of moving may cause them to get ill.

If you really want to be sure that the new birds arent carriers, then you need to put a cull ( expendable bird, usually a cockerel) in with them for the 6 weeks that they are in quarantine. If he gets sick, but the new birds are symptom free, then they are carriers. If they get sick and he doesnt..... then your birds are carriers of a virus.

Keep in mind that some diseases, such as Mareks, are airborne and there isnt anything that you can do to protect from cross infections. But it has been said that if your bird breathes.... then it has already been exposed to Mareks. That's why they can only vaccinate for it immediately after hatch or it is useless.


Good luck,

Chel

 

[speckledhen]

Chel is right, quarantine is not perfect and foolproof. Its just the least you can do to try to protect the flock. The most you can do is just not purchase grown birds. Either buy them from the hatchery or hatch them yourself. Even then, on rare occasions, some diseases are passed through the egg, though not all that many compared to the ones your birds can contract from other sick birds you bring in.