Are silkies more prone to Marek's???

[donnap1967]

I just read a website that said silkies are more prone to Marek's disease? Is that true?

Edited to add:

I have four silkies that are 5 weeks old as well as 6 two week old chicks of varying breeds. This is going to be the extent of my little backyard flock. Are larger operations more likely to encounter Marek's or are Backyard flocks just as prone?

 

[arlee453]

They are more prone to brain damage and wry neck due to the incomplete closure of the skull. A hard peck on the head or banging hard into the lid of the brooder, etc can cause them to have marek-like symptoms like stumbling around, walking around with their head held down and back, etc.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, more prone to damage, but I find the non show quality types are pretty hardy and just like other birds. As for diseases, every strain will be different, and every location has their own problems. So wither you are prone or not depends on if it is in your area. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[donnap1967]

Thank you