[mrs chook]

Thank you. We got her @ PoL in Feb - so young . Just Betty left now. We will get another chook in a couple of weeks.

[ANHBUC]

Did the vet say it could be down to the breeding?  You might want to ask just in case you are going to buy from the same breeder.

[mrs chook]

No he said that it is something that can happen in young chickens . Am going to a different breeder this time. Investing in a new hen house & run - as i understand the new girls will need to be separate from betty for a while.

[ANHBUC]

Yes it is best to quarantine for around three weeks.  Try and have them in sight and sound of Betty so they can get acquainted before the big introduction.   

[mrs chook]

Wow so long! I read 7-10 days?

[ANHBUC]

   I have read others wait 14 days but I always understood 3 weeks was safest.  I suppose it depends on the incubation period of anything they might have.  I find that 3 weeks goes quickly and the new birds get chance to take in their surroundings and accept them as home.  Then if they are let out they are less likely to try to escape and they have had time to get used to their new owners/servants.

[Sassy]

  I have read others wait 14 days but I always understood 3 weeks was safest.  I suppose it depends on the incubation period of anything they might have.  I find that 3 weeks goes quickly and the new birds get chance to take in their surroundings and accept them as home.  Then if they are let out they are less likely to try to escape and they have had time to get used to their new owners/servants.

Agree with this. Better safe than sorry. It takes a lot longer and usually a lot of expense if something is brought in to the existing flock. To say nothing of the time and heartache involved

[mrs chook]

Advice taken ! Betty will free range as normal & our new girls will go in the run. How easy is it then to transfer them to the main hen house?

[ANHBUC]

Some people have no problems and others have loads so it is a case of wait and see.  It is best if you put them in the coop when Betty is already settled for the night and then let them all out really early.  Then it will be a case of crossing your fingers.   

[mrs chook]

So i don't need a separate hen house for night time? They don't need to be completely quarantined? Maybe i should start a new thread! Just want to do whats best :-)

[ANHBUC]

No, sorry I meant they need to be separate and then after the 3 weeks introduce them on a night. 

[mrs chook]

Hehehe !! Thank u for all the advice !! Hope Betty will be ok with new friends. Will get them in a couple of weeks.  New hen house orderd - watch this space !!

[Sassy]

Advice taken ! Betty will free range as normal & our new girls will go in the run. How easy is it then to transfer them to the main hen house?

It is a good idea to keep them confined for a while when they are new