They absolutely kill adult birds. I have lost two this year to hawks and I know they were hawks as my outdoor camera captured it all. I had an owl for the first time this year too. All during the daytime with electric fence, bird netting, reflective distractions, scarecrows, deterrent owls, etc...
Yet every show chicken must have all required vaccinations, and they are most the purebred breeders stocking the backyard chickens - my cousin is a top national chicken judge and raises several varieties of purebreds himself. In fact, he has been referenced on BYC numerous times for his birds...
Yes. I was all "I just have homegrown, backyard chickens from a local farm that is all organic - I don't need vaccines". Then I lost 12 new beautiful chicklets as they had not been vaccinated and apparently my current flock from the organic farmer was carrying Marek's as my vet confirmed they...