11 week old chick died-introduce another???

[calsunchic]

I am posting this in the disease forum, because I had one of my four 11 week old chicks die a couple weeks ago. I ended up bringing her UC Davis to be euthanized and have a necropsy. We suspected Marek's given the symptoms (paralysis coming and going, antibiotics not helping, healthy appetite and BMs). Necropsy came back undertermined, but possibly Marek's. I am afraid the rest of my flock is infected. My friend with grown chickens won't come visit anymore. From what I have read on this amazing site, Marek's is everywhere and vaccines are not 100%. Being that I have become "chicken obsessed" in the short 3 months of having these sweet chicks, I want another to replace my Shadow that we lost. It was my son's bird and we found a breeder that has some similar birds. I know there was a great article that came out last week about how to introduce new birds to a flock, but it did not address the following questions I have:
Should I wait until my birds are 25 weeks and the threat of Marek's is reduced...is this even true?
Is it easier to introduce another pullet now while they are young and don't do as much damage to each other AND are still figuring out their new order (Shadow was dominant!)?
If I am thinking of getting another pullet that is a couple weeks older than my flock would that be the perfect combination (One chick slightly larger to fend off the other 3?)
Should I just leave well enough alone and be happy with 3, when initially I only wanted 2 and got the others for "insurance"?

Knowing what I know now that you should pretty much have a minimum of 3, I'm afraid I don't have the "insurance" anymore for my flock to maintain that healthy number. Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks so much!!!

 

[carolinasculpture]

Hi! Sorry for your loss. I don't know anything about the Mereks part, but have done a lot of introductions. Once folks with more knowledge say to go ahead and add more, I would get 2 new pullers if possible so the new one will have a friend, they always do better that way. If the new is ostracized, it will have company until they work it out. Then, introduce slowly...after quarantine. Allow them to see each other, but not get to each other. Then give treats near the fence so they get used to being "happy" near each other. When this goes well, try a supervised visitation. If you have the space, it is ideal if it can be in an area that is the "territory" of neither the new guys or the old guys. See how it goes. If there is plenty of space and places to hide, they should do just fine...but I would definitely add more than just one. Good luck!