Quarantine is necessary for any flock in which new birds are added that come from outside sources. Hatching your own chicks to continue your flock does not require quarantine. How long to quarantine is hard to answer because bugs and disease don’t follow a predetermined timeline.
60 good ones.
As a general rule I use 60 days, with no issues cropping up during that set time. Many diseases have incubation periods during which all may seem well and then tragedy strikes. There may also be something present that your current flock has already built resistance to, where as the new birds may need time to build up their immune system. The introduction of the new birds should be as stress free as possible. These things should play out before you get to that point. Restart the 60 day clock at any signs of trouble.
Quarantine should serve as a wellness checkup and bonding session. Observe overall health, check for mites, abnormal behavior, and introduce the birds to their new diet. Accommodations for quarantine should mirror that of your current flock. This will smooth the eventual transition to their permanent setup. Address any behaviors you don’t like now or they will be introduced to your existing flock.
Get away from me!
Place the quarantine area as far away as possible from your current flock. Sanitize all footwear when moving between the two areas. Keep all feed and other materials separated. Tend to your main flock first everyday to reduce the chances of cross contamination. If for any reason it is necessary to re-enter your current flocks area, change clothing, wash hands and clean footwear. All clothing should be washed before being worn back out into the yard.
Less is more.
Use antibiotics sparingly, over use will cause disease strains to become resistant. Your quarantine birds may present well, but your flock may suffer after introduction. Signs of disease may appear and the antibiotics will prove ineffective.
This is an opportunity to observe health status. This to ensure the health of your current flock. Your diligence here will prevent the possibility of losing your entire flock.
