Any advice on vaccinating byc?

[Mycoolbreeze]

I've been getting mixed information about vaccinating. After my 1st hatch I went to my local feed store to ask about chicken vaccines, where I was told it's almost unheard of for byc, very expensive & only required for show, FFA & 4-H. Being relatively new to raising chickens, I took her word for it. However, after reading many articles & forums I've since learned of all of the horrible diseases that could potentially threaten my flock. I currently have 5 adult chickens & 7 2 month old chicks, I purchased the adults as adults & suspect they were all hatchery chicks but my latest hatch have not been vaccinated. Is it still possible to safely vaccinate the chicks & which vaccines are most recommended? Should I also vaccinate my adult chickens & which vaccines are necessary? Thank you in advance for your time & advice.

 

[Bridebeliever]

I think Merek's is the most common vaccine. Most hatcheries offer it for between .60 and 1.00 per chick. This is the only one I chose to do. I didn't give my chicks medicated feed either. I'm not sure where you can get this done after you already have them? I'm sure others with more experience will chime in here!

 

[Folly's place]

Marek's disease vaccine is given to day- old chicks, and is useless after a possible exposure. Your chickens may or may not have been vaccinated (ask the previous owner) but it's too late now. Other vaccines are generally only used for show birds or commercial flocks. If fowl pox arrives in your neighborhood, that vaccine can be given. Practicing very good biosecurity is the most important thing you can do to keep your birds safe! I have any chicks ordered from a hatchery vaccinated for Marek's, and then keep them isolated for two or three weeks. Birds hatched here aren't vaccinated, and I NEVER get older birds from any outside source. If you decide to show your birds, then they may be exposed to more nasty diseases, and need more protection. Mary

 

[Mycoolbreeze]

Thank you Bridebeliever & Folly's Place. I was a bit confused by conflicting information I've been reading, some say vaccines are imperative & can be given at any age & others say they're only necessary for show & commercial. As far as asking the previous owner, that's a hopeless cause, she misinformed me about almost everything including the breeds & ages. I'd never owned chickens before I purchased them except a banty roo when I was a child, however at least four of them were most likely hatchery chicks. So far I haven't had any illnesses or losses & my latest hatch was very successful 7/8 healthy chicks hatched 5 of 7 are pullets. I do clean their coop & run daily & they free range. Hopefully, they continue to be healthy & I doubt I'd have any need for any more from an outside source, I've had good success brooding my own.