• put them in their own run without introducing other birds to them initially
• allow them to investigate their new surroundings undisturbed without too much handling
• ensure they have access to food and water
• ensure they understand where their perches are, sometimes it is necessary to give them a helping hand!!
• keep in an enclosed run for atleast a week before allowing to free range
• bond with your bird, feeding small quantities of corn from the hand will encourage this
• avoid putting in an unknown cockerel until they are settled
• egg laying can stop when birds are moved due to the stresses involved with travelling etc, be patient, they will settle and lay again

Buying from auctions and untraceable sellers:

Please exercise caution if buying your birds from auctions.  Whilst many of the sellers at auctions sell good quality stock, there are several unscrupulous people who are currently selling poor and unwell stock suffering from respiratory conditions such as mycoplasma.

Please keep stock quarantined for at least 2 weeks before you introduce to your existing stock.  There are so many poorly, sneezing birds out there.  A sure sign of respiratory infection can be a strong almost fishy smell to the breath of the bird and signs of nasal discharge.

Please remember that mycoplasma and respiratory infections are highly contagious and are often difficult to get rid of once part of your flock. 

The best prevention is to quarantine and ensure good hygiene when handling your auction bought birds, best to keep them well away from other stock, feed them last and wash hands and equipment thoroughly.