Why quarantine???

[McGoo]

I plan to get some 4 mos old birds to add to my flock and I would like to know:

How to quarantine and why?

Thanks so much.

 

[ChickenToes]

Keep the new birds separated from your original flock for a few weeks. That way the chances of the new birds transferring diseases or other illness to your flock is greatly reduced. Even birds that appear healthy can actually be quite ill.

 

[MandyH]

Take it from someone that had to kill 150+ birds by hand, KEEP ANY NEW POULTRY AWAY FROM YOUR ORIGINAL FLOCK for at least 30 days. DO NOT even let them share the same air space as yours. Even fat, healthy birds harbor deadly diseases. With chickens, most of the things they can spread is by secretions, so sharing food bowls, water troughs, and breathing is all it takes.

 

[2manyhats]

I think it was gumpsgirl that posted about the horrors of sick chickens when she didn't quarantine. Look it up with the search and you'll understand why it is so important. I haven't had the problem with chickens, but have brought home disease with calves and sheep and have lost many of my original herd and flock. It's worth the extra effort it takes.

 

[McGoo]

So here's the part that I don't understand. Let's say that the new chickens are carrying a disease - how will 30 days change that? Or is the idea that within that period of time it'll be noticeable?

Also, so I should put the 'new' chickens in a place totally separated from the others? And then after the month I can do the gradual combining?

 

[MandyH]

Yes keep them TOTALLY away from your birds, that's the whole point. If they show signs of sickness you can cull them asap. After the 30 days, just chunk them in with the others.

 

[tiki244]

Yes it is so you can notice any disease.

Also, two seperate flocks may haev immunity in different ways, to different strains of diseases. When the birds first arrive they are stressed from relocating, and more succeptable to coming down with something., Get them comfortable with you and their surroundings before you put with your flock will help with the stress.

 

[hinkjc]

McGoo - moving birds to a new environment is stressful. It can bring out the nasties in them that would go unnoticed otherwise or they may pick something up at your place that they've never been exposed to before. Not uncommon for different viruses on different soils, so this keeps them isolated and an opportunity to monitor them closely for how they will adjust to their new home. A 30 day quarantine is a must for any new birds, no matter where you get them. It is for the safety of your existing flock.

Some will even go so far as to add a single bird from their own flock (after the quarantine period) to see if your birds are resistant to something the new bird may not be and vice versa. If one or both birds get sick, you may have problems and have to reconsider what you want to do.

Jody

 

[nnbreeder]

And to add another tidbit, when caring for the birds if you don't change clothes and shoes go from the original flock to the new flock. That will add extra protection to the old flock.

 

[Solsken Farm]

We brought 4 little beautiful chicks home recently. They looked perfect. Two days after we got them home, there was blood in the cage. Cocci.

TG we quarantined, or our whole flock might have become infected. 3 weeks later, we are still fighting it. Our kids wear my dh's old shirts as smocks that hang right by the cage of the quarantined birds.

We brought in three 3 month old that appear fine. We quarantined them too, and so far so good.

I will always, always quarantine if I get new birds. But I have to say, after this cocci experience, I will probably only hatch my own from here on out.

Our chicks looked perfect. You would never have known they were carrying a disease. Heed the warnings here. kristenH, how awful.