Are TSC chicks vaccinated?

[KristaBeth]

I have 4 one-week-olds I bought from a breeder. I was hoping to find a banty at TSC today, since the breeder didn't have any. My breeder chicks are not vaccinated, however. If I bring a vaccinated chick home, will my breeder chicks get sick?

 

[bigredfeather]

I doubt they are vaccinated. I can't see TSC spending the additional money. Anytime you order from a hatchery, vaccinations are an option, not SOP.

 

[usschicago1]

I agree. Cocci Is your main concern, which occurs naturally in all chickens . If you clean out the pen when you first get them they are and gradually let the poop content rise then you should be fine.

 

[OHhappychicks]

Kristabeth!! I had the same question 2-3 wks ago and I have been trying to find that thread, but haven't been successful. Someone gave me such good advice and I wanted you to read what he told me, but since I can't locate it here is what he said that made so much sense to me. I'm kinda new at this too. We have had our first flock for almost 2 years. I ordered 16 more to arrive this next weekend!

But about 2-3 weeks ago, I was in tsc and saw 3 porcelain mille fluer bantam chicks and since I already have 2, I decided to purchase them. In ohio, it is a state law you have to buy at least 6, so I did. Got home and realized I didn't know if they were vaccinated, as all my others had been. I called my local tsc and asked about vaccinations. They said they were not. So I asked the great BYC'ers and got some great advice. The one that made the most sense to me told me that chicks hatched by their mother or birds in the wild don't get coccidiosis. That is because they are exposed to it at an early age. They eat what their moms eat, even their POO!

He also said the younger they are exposed the better. They are more likely to get it when they get older. He suggested that I go into the lot where my older flock is and get a little of the dirt where they dust bathe, with some of their poo in it. It would get them exposed a little at a time. So everytime I clean out my brooder, about every other day, I go out and scoop up about 1/4 -1/2 cup in a dust pan or shovel or whatever, and bring it in and put in with the shavings. I always make sure I have at least 1 small bit of poo in it. I've been doing this for about 2 weeks and they are doing fine. I'm not sure where you are located, but someone said it is more prevalent where the climate is more wet. Hope this helped a little. If I find that post with the gentlemens name, I will try to get it to you.

 

[wildorchid053]

my tractor supply said yes they are always vaccinated... but then they say you can feed chicks layer crumbles too. so ????? i am not sure they know much about the chicks and ducks

 

[OHhappychicks]

Hi again, KristaBeth! I found the person who gave the great thread on coccidiosis. "Her", not he, name is Punkinpeep. She has done an experiment with her chicks. She has a blog you can read about it. I know your ? was on vaccination, and this doesn't cover Mereks disease, but I found the info on coccidiosis fasinating.

Or if you go to your search in the upper right corner opposite your name, and put in coccidiosis, you will probably find her blog.

 

[KristaBeth]

Quote:
Thanks - I will check it out!