4-H Project & Merrick's SOS

[simonewayne]

I'm leading a 4-H project with 11 kids who are raising baby chicks to pullets and then plan to sell them as backyard laying hens at 12 weeks. Despite all being vaccinated, we just confirmed that one of our birds has died of Merrick's, and we believe the others have all been exposed to the sick bird.

My question is what to do with our 47 other birds? Can they be sold to local families? Do they need to be culled?

They are beautiful, friendly and seemingly healthy 8-week old birds and I am desperate for some expert advice.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Technically you can sell them still, but you really should let the other people know ahead of time so they can decide whether they want that risk or not.

Most people here seem to agree you can use them as meat, they'll just look a bit unappetizing