Quarantine question.....

[mrshorn]

I was planning on surprising my hubby with some BCCBs or RCCBs for Christmas. If I buy them from the breeder we got one of our shafttails from, do I still need to quarantine for a month? I only ask because we did not quarantine Barbossa when we got him. I didn't know that was necessary. He and everyone else is totally healthy. All the birds are kept in very large indoor avairies, separated by species. Will I still need to keep them separated?

[GOULDYGIRL]

You know it's hard to say, because I think we all know the answer, or have read enough to know.
You really should to make sure your other birds don't get sick or catch something, even when it's from the same breeder. I
always quarantined and never just put birds in with my other birds as soon as I got them but it was not for as long as I should. Just enough time to look them over, make sure they looked healthy, eating, etc. my problem was the space. I had very small cages to keep them in and that bothered me more then anything. It bothered me to see them flit from one branch or perch to the other for that long. I went by observations and having a good eye from raising and caring for animals all my life. I know I was taking a chance though, and I guess was willing to risk it. That's what you have to ask yourself. I've been lucky so far. Now I'm in a better situation and have larger quarantine cage so I won't feel too bad leaving them in for longer. I know how exciting it is to just let them loose with the rest of your birds.

Renee

[cindy]

Hi,

All my birds come from the same breeder, When I bought home another pair of Gold breast and 2 pairs of owls I kept them in a separate room for about 3 to 4 weeks. My Gold breast were in a small cage (same as Gouldygirl) I felt really bad. I had them in it for about the whole month since I met the breeder at a show to get the birds. Even though I got there as he set up and the doors opened I still did not want to take any chances. Once they looked fine, eating and acting normal, no signs of "bad" poo I put them in with the other pair in the flight.

One of the reasons you might consider keeping the new birds separate is becauise birds hide illness well until they can't and usually by that time they are really sick and need help. Watch them for about 3 to 4 weeks then add them to your original birds.

[B CAMP]

mrshorn
Like both have said,it would only take one sick bird that looked fine to give it to all your birds.I think its one of the most important things you can do for the birds you already have ,good luck
Wish I could have new birds to quarentine

[Sally]

When I first started with finches, I didn't quarantine at all--didn't know I needed to. Brought birds home from the Mart, with all those hundreds of birds in one big room, and set them up in cages right next to the ones I had already. Never had a problem, but it also could have been a disaster. I have also shortened quarantines when I was in a big hurry to set up a breeding pair, but took a chance.

I have read of some breeders who quarantine for up to 2-3 months. It all depends on your own situation, and the risk you are willing to take. It also depends on who you are buying from, and how much you trust them to be honest about any sickness in their flock. Technically, you should quarantine in an entirely separate building, but how many of us can do that? Definitely quarantine if you are bringing birds home from a fair, mart, or show.

[mrshorn]

They would be coming from a place called Magnolia Bird Farm.
http://www.magnoliabirdfarms.com/

When we got Barbossa, the man who helped us brought out three males to choose from. He inspected all three, and we made our choice based on his knowledge. I really don't want to risk my current birds, so I will have to keep the new ones separate. Is 30 days the best amount of time? I seem so see posts about that four week, 30 day quarantine.

[Sally]

I think a 30-day quarantine would be plenty for most of us. I've seen a few birds at marts that I wouldn't even consider purchasing, but if I were that crazy, they would have to be quarantined for about 3 months! You always have to consider the source.

[cindy]

When you get your new birds remeber to feed and clean your original birds first then go to the new birds. That way you won't accidently transfer anything to the original flock. I even have separate cleaning and feeding supplies along with a separate seed containers for the new birds.

I typically tend to the original birds after a shower and getting dressed then go to the new.

Lots of hand washing and good dish and cup washing. I have always heard of 30 day, 4 weeks as a good time. I know of large parrot breeders that keep their new stock separate for 6 months since there are some pretty nasty parrot/hookbill diseases that are easily passed.

If you ever sell at a show, you will need to keep those birds separate from your flock since they can pick something up at a show. You don't know how many times I have seen people walk into a show with a cage previously used with soiled paper on the bottom. They intend on purchasing a new bird and putting in it. They set that diry cage on the breeder's tables, on top of breeder's cages...UHG! I just want to go over and say...don't you clean out that cage, how can you put a new bird in that mess!

Sorry didn't mean to rant!!!

[mrshorn]

If you check out the web site, and go to the tours page, the top two photos are where the birds are kept.

[mrshorn]

Cindy- You and I would get along very well! One thing I took away from hand raising our societies, is I am now a germaphobe. I should by stock in hand sanitizer. Don't worry, you did not rant. I will keep all the tips in mind for all the cleaning. As far as bird shows and all, I have never been to one, and I probably won't. I don't breed for sale, and I am not looking for birds to breed. Our birds are just members of the family and that's it. We never meant for the ones who are breeding to do so. I could never sell any of them. I would be so afraid they would go to a home like my former employer's. She got her daughter a hamster, then I see the daughter all bummed out a short time later. "Oh Britney is upset because her hamster died. She forgot to give it water for a week." HELLO, that is your job as the adult to help her out!!! She never had a pet before.

[cindy]

One thing I found out very early is if you give a child a pet it ultimately becomes yours. I didn't mind, I did all the feeding and cleaning for their pets. We had a wide variety of reptiles (no snakes), hamsters, birds and fish plus dogs.

By the way, I have hand sanitizer in the car, in my purse, in the kitchen...I own stock already!!!!!

[mrshorn]

Oh my gosh!! I have the same inventory of sanitizer!! I wish someone had told my former boss about the pet thing. She was a selfish dingbat though. I have issues with her. I live in Orange County CA, and she personifies the stereotypical OC woman. Real Housewives style. I've actually dealt with one of the ladies on the show, and my aunt knows another.