05/09/2025
8 Days until the Ellis Co Poultry Trades Day! So…
Let’s Talk Quarantine Protocol!
Welcome to all our new members and those just starting out in the poultry world!
Before selling poultry in public spaces, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) requires two things:
1. Proof of a negative PT test (your vendor should provide you with a copy of theirs so you can update you’re flock records)
2. TAHC Registration
As vendors arrive and begin set up, our team of 8 inspects trailers and truck bed—listening, watching, and checking for any signs of illness. Still, with so many birds at these events and similar livestock sales and auctions, issues can go unnoticed. TAHC is on-site and inspecting livestock at events like ours, and if they spot a sick bird, that vendor could be asked to leave.
Important to remember:
Poultry are prey animals—they will naturally try to hide signs of illness or weakness. Add in the stress of travel, temperature and weather changes, and new environments, and their immune systems can become compromised, making them more vulnerable to illness after an event.
That’s why one rule always stands, no matter where your birds come from:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ QUARANTINE FOR A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Set up a separate housing area, at least 40 feet from your existing flock. A chain-link fence won’t cut it—many poultry diseases are airborne and can also travel on your shoes and clothing.
Here are a few ways to protect your flock:
• Use separate shoes and clothing for each coop
• Monitor new birds closely for symptoms: coughing, sneezing, eye discharge, swelling, tiredness, odd posture or p**p, and comb/wattle discoloration
• Watch your existing flock for signs of illness after new birds arrive—early detection can make all the difference
✍🏼Know your source.
Always get contact info from the person you purchase birds from. Texhen Ranch hosts these events but does not oversee vendor business practices. While we’ll listen to both sides if issues arise, we are not mediators.
✅Inspect before you buy.
Use your senses—sight, sound, and smell—to check for illness. (Please skip taste.)
Know what to look for. See something, say something.
⚠️Birds can get sick from wet ground, stress, or sudden weather changes. Many common illnesses are treatable if caught early. Experienced flock owners—please feel free to share your favorite remedies and why they work!
🎓We’re not trying to scare anyone.
Anyone with livestock has dealt with illness and parasites.
Our goal is to equip you with practical knowledge needed to protect your flock. Ask questions, talk to vendors, join chicken groups, and keep a few basic treatments on hand.
Stay smart, stay safe—and happy chicken keeping!
