Temporary chicken digs

[pepparaaraa]

Hi,
I'm hoping to get 2 new chickens next week, but these will be my first merger and I wondered if there is a cheap and easy way to build something to separate them from my existing chickens... as soon they will go in the coop and run I have (all being well). I was wondering if a rabbit hutch would do as a temporary arrangement as I can't afford a whole new coop and run for a weeks separation... I'm am getting 2 10 week old pullets... Any suggestions?

 

[boskelli1571]

You should separate new from old for at least 30 days quarantine period. They should preferably be housed in separate quarters for the bio-safety of the entire flock. New chickens may look perky & well, but they come with their own set of bugs, which your older birds may not be used to.
At 10 weeks I'm thinking a rabbit hutch is a bit small. A large dog crate would do in a pinch, but it's not ideal and put it somewhere safe away from predators. Everyone loves a free chicken dinner!
Good luck,

 

[pepparaaraa]

Oh thanks, I didn't realise it should be 30 days, that changes things. Definitely wouldn't be fair for that long.
Thought I'd read somewhere about a week.
Funnily enough I came across dog crates last night and wondered if that would do. Is it okay to let them be just separated by wire outside of the coop but still have access to each other, effectively sharing the same run? Would bugs still pass this way?
If not, I'm thinking a whole new coop and run will be necessary and that's a lot of expense and my partner will not be happy with me as he already thinks he's dropped down the pecking order and that I've spent too much time/money on the chickens. I disagree but do think we have spent a lot of money already as we just bought a new larger run etc. so that I could get a couple more!
I currently have 12 week olds that I've had since a week old so there won't be that much of an age gap... This is all new to me but I do want to introduce new chickens as I only have 2 currently and 1 is a cockerel

 

[boskelli1571]

Oh thanks, I didn't realise it should be 30 days, that changes things. Definitely wouldn't be fair for that long.
Thought I'd read somewhere about a week.
Funnily enough I came across dog crates last night and wondered if that would do. Is it okay to let them be just separated by wire outside of the coop but still have access to each other, effectively sharing the same run? Would bugs still pass this way?
If not, I'm thinking a whole new coop and run will be necessary and that's a lot of expense and my partner will not be happy with me as he already thinks he's dropped down the pecking order and that I've spent too much time/money on the chickens. I disagree but do think we have spent a lot of money already as we just bought a new larger run etc. so that I could get a couple more!
I currently have 12 week olds that I've had since a week old so there won't be that much of an age gap... This is all new to me but I do want to introduce new chickens as I only have 2 currently and 1 is a cockerel

Ideally, they should be separated by at least 6ft - so no 'touching' etc. but if space is a premium you could reduce it. The real question is - are you going to need the 2nd coop & run for the future? Chickens are addictive......

Your partner will get used to being a 'chicken widow' eventually...

 

[bobbi-j]

A "true quarantine" is difficult. It's also a personal choice. Yes, it's probably best for the flock if you do it. There are things to take into consideration. Do you have space to keep them for up to 30 days, at least 100' from the other chickens, separate feeders and waterers, and are ready to change (at the very least) your shoes between coops. Some people even change clothes between going from one coop to another. Some will combine them right away if they trust the source or have seen where the new chickens are coming from and are comfortable that the birds from that place all look healthy, and have checked the new birds out to make sure they don't have parasites, etc. You will have to decide what's best for you and your flock..

 

[mmmyyykkkeee]

A "true quarantine" is difficult. It's also a personal choice. Yes, it's probably best for the flock if you do it. There are things to take into consideration. Do you have space to keep them for up to 30 days, at least 100' from the other chickens, separate feeders and waterers, and are ready to change (at the very least) your shoes between coops. Some people even change clothes between going from one coop to another. Some will combine them right away if they trust the source or have seen where the new chickens are coming from and are comfortable that the birds from that place all look healthy, and have checked the new birds out to make sure they don't have parasites, etc. You will have to decide what's best for you and your flock.. 

X2. It's your choice. I order my chickens from one supplier only so i don't quarantine new birds. I mix them to the flock right away. One reason is the space. But again, it's your choice and boskelli is right, for biosecurity it is recommended.

I understand how you feel. I also spent a lot of money for my chickens and i thought my partner wouldn't be happy but it turned out he learned to love our chickens.as @boskelli1571 said, they are addictive. best of luck.