Question on integrating new pullets

[Matejka]

F
Fairly new to chickens-40+year s ago we had chickens.
I got 7 pullets in February. I turned into a cockerel, he's getting Randy and nosing around the girls,and lost 2 to predators.
I have the opportunity to replace those 2 (maybe get 3).
Should I get same age pullets or older hens (to put Randy in his place)?
How long to quarantine newbies?
Would wire crate in run be good for quarantine or completely separate (not sure that's doable)?
How long before integrating them?

 

[dawg53]

It would be best to get same age pullets. Quarantine them as far away as possible from your existing flock.
I recommend quarantining them for a minimum of one month. This will give you time to closely inspect them head to rear end. Inspect closely around the vent area and elsewhere for external parasites, tumors, injuries, watch how they walk etc...
Observe for any signs of wheezing, sneezing, head shaking, bubbly or running eye or nostrils. Open the mouth and look for lesions or anything out of the ordinary. Check the bottom of their feet for scabs and raised scales on legs and feet. Watch their feces closely, especially for blood. Worm them with a wormer, not DE. There are other things to look for but the time in quarantine will bring out any delayed respiratory problems, if any at all.
Make sure you change clothes and shoes, practice personal hygiene after handling the newbies. Latent respiratory diseases can be carried on your person and infect your existing flock.

 

[Matejka]

It would be best to get same age pullets. Quarantine them as far away as possible from your existing flock.
I recommend quarantining them for a minimum of one month. This will give you time to closely inspect them head to rear end. Inspect closely around the vent area and elsewhere for external parasites, tumors, injuries, watch how they walk etc...
Observe for any signs of wheezing, sneezing, head shaking, bubbly or running eye or nostrils. Open the mouth and look for lesions or anything out of the ordinary. Check the bottom of their feet for scabs and raised scales on legs and feet. Watch their feces closely, especially for blood. Worm them with a wormer, not DE. There are other things to look for but the time in quarantine will bring out any delayed respiratory problems, if any at all.
Make sure you change clothes and shoes, practice personal hygiene after handling the newbies. Latent respiratory diseases can be carried on your person and infect your existing flock.

Thank you!

 

[Matejka]

It would be best to get same age pullets. Quarantine them as far away as possible from your existing flock.
I recommend quarantining them for a minimum of one month. This will give you time to closely inspect them head to rear end. Inspect closely around the vent area and elsewhere for external parasites, tumors, injuries, watch how they walk etc...
Observe for any signs of wheezing, sneezing, head shaking, bubbly or running eye or nostrils. Open the mouth and look for lesions or anything out of the ordinary. Check the bottom of their feet for scabs and raised scales on legs and feet. Watch their feces closely, especially for blood. Worm them with a wormer, not DE. There are other things to look for but the time in quarantine will bring out any delayed respiratory problems, if any at all.
Make sure you change clothes and shoes, practice personal hygiene after handling the newbies. Latent respiratory diseases can be carried on your person and infect your existing flock.

Thank you so much for all the information. I will do all this.