Caring for your Newly Adopted Chicken

Caring for a Newly ANIMAL Adopted Bird SHELTER Brought to you by ADOPT PoultryDVM" A BIRD NETWORK After adopting a bird from the animal shelter, it's important to follow some precautionary measures to help minimize stress, risk of injury, and disease transfer. Although you may be tempted to immediately introduce them to your flock, we caution you to wait and follow some risk reducing procedures as outlined below. Back at Home SET UP A QUARANTINE AREA Prior to the birds' arrival at your home, set up a temporary quarantine area for them to live for a minumum of 30 days. This area should be completely seperate to where your existing flock of birds are kept. PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE CARE Look for ectoparasites (lice, mites) Understand that your newly adopted bird has been through quite alot of stress. Stress has a negative impact on their immune system, meaning they are more vulnerable to getting sick. Therefore, be sure to provide extra special support and minimize any additional stress. Physical exam Blood test Fecal exam for GI parasites ΤΑΚE ΤΗEM ΤΟ THE VET Schedule an initial health examination with your veterinarian. Use PoultryDVM.com's Poultry Vets Directory to look up which vets in your area treat chickens, ducks, and other poultry. МЕТНODS FOR Introducing a New Bird into a Flock GRADUAL INTRODUCTION New bird(s) are introduced into an existing flock gradually, over a course of several weeks; through closely monitored, daily 'play' sessions. The time the birds are left together is gradually increased until the new birds appear to be acclimated into the flock. This technique is the most conservative and effective approach. day 1 day x BUDDY SYSTEM METHOD A higher ranked (in the pecking order) flock member is removed and kept separate but nearby the new bird. Once the new bird's quarantine period is complete, then gradual introduction of these two birds can begin. Once bonded, both birds are gradually reintroduced into the flock together. There is a risk that the seperated flock member may loose their higher ranking in the pecking order. "HOWDY" MЕТНOD New birds are placed in a 'howdy' area so that they and the existing flock can gradually become acquainted with each other. The intent is for the new birds to see and talk to the other birds, but not interact with them physically just yet. NEUTRAL AREA METHOD Staging introductions in a space other than the established habitat seems to offset the aggression since both birds are equally new to the staged area and have no perceived territorial rights. Once they have been together in this neutral area for at least 4 weeks, an attempt to move them to the established habitat can be made. NIGHTLY ADDITION There are some individuals who claim success by adding a new bird into an existing flock by simply placing them beside the others while perching together at night. This method should be executed with extreme caution and only attempted if you have a webcam set up, so you can closely monitor. WATCH FOR SIGNS OF AGGRESSION Aggressive behavior generally involves some aspect of threaten or attack to the other bird. The aggression is a ritualized form of communication with the purpose of establishing and maintaining the hierarchy within a flock. Crouched body posture 'Waltzing' Raised hackles There will usually be some degree of chasing and harassment initially in order for birds to establish their pecking order. The newest bird introduced to the flock will often be the lowest on the pecking order, and as long as they acknowledge and accept that quickly, there are no complications. However, if the newly introduced bird has more of a dominant personality, then conflicts might get more intense and intervention is likely necessary to minimize injuries. Keep in Mind.... An ex-cockfighting rooster is less likely to show submission to another rooster if challenged to a duel with another rooster----meaning, they'll fight to the death. Different breeds may differ in the intensity and duration of competitions for the dominant position. Birds who have been kept in isolation for extended periods of time (such as what happens with many of the roosters at animal shelters) might require more time to adjust. Additional Tips DO NOT OVERCROWD ADD MORE RESOURCES The size of the area available Provide an additional feeder and should be appropriate for the number/size of birds living waterer to the flock to increase access to and minimize guarding of resources. there. OFFER DISTRACTIONS ADD ESCAPE ROUTES Ensure that there are enough perches and hide spots to provide a means for birds to escape, in case they're being chased by another bird. Offer/add something new as an enrichment item, to help alleviate boredom and redirect attention when needed. TRIM SPURS GET HELP Since spurs are used as a weapon by the bird, trimming them before introductions can Recruit a friend or family member to help you stage new introductions, in case you need help decrease the risk of more serious injuries. more then 2 hands. ADOPT A PoultryDVM TM BIRD NETWORK