As a general rule, I use a 30 day quarantine for all incoming birds. A quarantine should be a room or living space that is well separated from all other birds. If the new birds have any respiratory symptoms then the quarantine needs to be in a separate building. When birds first arrive, I spend about two days observing behavior and demeanor to determine health status. If the birds appear healthy, then I usually simply quarantine and observe for problems.
If incoming birds have ever lived outdoors then I always administer Perma Guard diatomaceous earth (no other brand) mixed into all food at about 5% of the food ration. DE is very useful in eliminating parasites which are almost guaranteed to be present if birds have lived outdoors. Usually I will use DE for three straight months daily to eliminate all parasites, in which case the quarantine will run 90 days.
If incoming birds appear puffy or listless, then I will apply overhead heat via a heat lamp with a 60 watt incandescent light (allow them to get away from it if needed) and I will use therapeutic grade essential oils.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR USE IN QUARANTINE
When I receive new birds that need to be quarantined, I worry primarily about undiagnosed infectious diseases including viral, fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as mites. Over a thirty day quarantine period, the following essential oils and essential oil blends can be diffused (either via diffuser or with drops on kleenex) to help eliminate possible infections. If birds have been diagnosed with infectious illness, then additional essential oils or additional treatment time may be needed.
Please Note: Many potentially dangerous essential oils can be recognized by their low prices; please avoid all inexpensive oils as they are most certainly not therapeutic grade and could be dangerous for your birds. For details on the safe use of essential oils, please see the article SAFE USE OF THERAPEUTIC GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BIRDS.
Lainey Alexander