Quarantining new chooks

Leopard · **Joined:** Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

With quarantining new chooks that I buy what is the time frame for quarantine and what should they be given while they are in quarantine, should they be given drugs of sorts?

OakA · **Posted:** Sun Jul 24, 2011 8:38 am

Quarantining new fowls is only a precautionary measure, to give any new birds time to exibhit symtoms of any disease that may be in an incubation period and not yet evidenced.
It is to protect your existing flock from the possibility of introducing any problems or illness that does not exist in your flock.
All fowls that you purchase/introduce should be in good health or leave them where they are.
I would keep them separate in isolation for a month or 6 weeks, under close scrutiny,just to be sure.
If healthy they will not need treating with drugs, to do so could cover or mask any potential problems and if already healthy will not need it.
The use of drugs should be kept to a minimum to avoid resistance so when they may be needed they are benificial.
I would de-louse and treat/check for scaly leg, I would also worm any new fowls before introducing them to the general population.
If care has been taken to select strong healthy fowls and a few precautionary measures taken then the introduction should pose no threat to your existing flock.

Leopard · **Joined:** Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

That is super thanks muchly

ogden · **Joined:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 12:06 pm **Posts:** 8

I keep any new bird separate from all the rest for 4 weeks but just feed it normal foods and water its the stress of moving that can bring out a disease

Leopard · **Joined:** Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

Thanks ogden good to know what others are doing

ogden · **Joined:** Tue Jun 21, 2011 12:06 pm **Posts:** 8

I should add the longer you quarantine the better really you can never be too safe

Speckled Henz · **Joined:** Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:44 pm **Posts:** 3

So right it can take weeks for a disease to show in new chooks because of stress so 5 weeks is better and make sure you worm them and check their poos for signs of trouble

Leopard · **Joined:** Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:39 pm **Posts:** 4

All so very helpful thank you. What do I look for in their poo?

chainey · **Joined:** Wed Aug 03, 2011 4:01 pm **Posts:** 1

You look for signs of worms or blood http://chat.allotment.org.uk/index.php?topic=17568.0

LOOLOO · **Posted:** Thu Aug 04, 2011 12:13 pm

Good examples on there I think someware we have a few pictures on the forum.

LooLoo

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