ashleymroles
In the Brooder
My chicks are three days old. Is it too late to vaccinate them?
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
My chicks are three days old. Is it too late to vaccinate them?
Hi I was told that the reason the vaccine is given at hatch is because Mareks is so prevalent. I was also told that you CAN vaccinate older chicks. it wont hurt them. HOWEVER, it might be too late to protect them as well. it would have to be a personal judgement decision. If they are not already exposed it can protect them. But they consider being outside or around other birds "exposed". The thing is there is no way to know. So if they were mine I likely would take the chance and vaccinate anyway. it can't hurt and only help..You can order the vaccine online along with syringes. it's given UNDER the skin only. on back of neck. of course I can't say your birds haven't already been exposed and it will protect them. but what if they haven't been exposed? That's where the personal decision comes in and only YOU can decide what you want to do. Sorry I can't be of more help. if you decide to go ahead I'd do it soon. I hope this helps .
Thanks for the reply. I'm still not sure. They were barely 12 hours old when I brought them home from the hatchery and haven't left the germ free comfort of their brooder since. They won't be going outside for a while since there's still snow on the ground. Aside from some minor pasty butt, they seem to be thriving. Im not worried about them right now, but when they go outside for the first time I want them to be as prepared as possible. I'll talk it over with my husband and do some more research. Thanks again!