Is your dog's unusual barking a secret code for something mysterious?

[Gertie]

Hello Everyone

 

I am very, very excited because soon I am going to get 2 new hens to add to my existing 2 hens (yes the addiction has kicked in!). I am aware that quarantine is a good idea, but is this strictly necessary if hens are obtained from a reputable source? What do most people do? I will have 2 coops so can isolate them, but how far apart should I keep them to prevent possible spread of infection and for how long?

 

Many thanks for your thoughts and advice.

 

Erika

[Chucky Mama]

I think it is a good idea as the stress of moving can often allow a previously hidden illness to the fore. I would keep them out of sneezing distance.

[Jools]

Yep, agreed. I tend to stick by the "as far as possible for at least two weeks" advice I was given when I collected some bantams from a breeder a few years ago. It gives you time to check them (and treat them if you want) for parasites and for the dreaded mycoplasma to show some symptoms.

 

It's a good idea to prepare both flocks for the stress of intros by making sure they're in tip-top health by adding some tonic to their water or food. Or an immune system booster like Citridicel or Herban, or even some just-in-case Respite.

 

Then cross your fingers and sit back and enjoy lol.

[Egluntyne]

I would never take the risk of not quarantining new hens. Simply not worth the risk.

[Gertie]

Thanks very much. I've got citricidal, ACV, garlic & poultry spice so I will use some of that to boost them up. I'm also worming with flubenvet at the moment & treating the ground with stalosan. I might get the newbies on Sunday. I will keep them isolated as much as I can at different ends of the garden!

Thanks

Erika

[BocBoc]

We got two previously rehomed ex-batts last January and as we didn't have the option of quarantine........

 

....we waited until late at night when all girlswere very drowsy, opened the egg port and popped the two new girls in with our existing two. All fine. The next day when the egg port opened at first light...all hell broke loose! Agnes (our existing Ranger) would not stop squawking until tea time. But the next day, all was fine and we've had no problems since.