Can I Vaccinate the chicks I hatch??

[newburt]

I recently ordered 30 chicks from Mcmurray hatcheries ( awesome people to deal with by the way, they have the most mannerly approach to their business and their customers that I have ever delt with in a company that deals with the general public ) and I had them vaccinated. I was wondering if I hatch my own eggs here on my little farm can I vaccinate my chicks myself, and if so what administering method works? and what do I vaccinate them for? and where can I get the vaccine?? I know im green and ignorant on this matter but I have to learn somehow!!! Any feedback will be greatly appreciated, and thanks in advance

Burt

 

[BunnyMomma]

Hi Burt! Yes you can vaccinate your own chickens. I always vaccinate my birds for Marek's disease. Feel free to visit this link on my website to see information that might be helpful to you. If you have any questions I'll be glad to help. I buy my vaccine from Twin City Poultry Supply.
It comes in 2 parts a powder that contains the vaccine and the dilutant solution. Because the vaccine can vaccinate 1000 chicks, I divide it (as needed) into 10 separate parts.

Be sure to keep the powder dry and refrigerated. I put the powder vial in a small baggie of dry rice in the fridge to keep moisture from ruining the vaccine. The dilutant comes in a plastic bag much like an IV solution bag. I take out one of the stoppers and pour 1/10 of the solution into a small disposable cup and and 1/10 of the powder. Note: I take a toothpick and chop up the powder in the vial. It is lumpy and this mixes up the powder more evenly.

Then I mix the vaccine with a disposable craft stick and draw up the liquid into a 3 ml syringe. Then I administer the vaccine (only 1 mark on the syringe per chick) If I am vaccinating bantams I have found that It is best to dilute the solution by 1/2 with distilled water. Bantams are more sensitive to the vaccine.

This has been my experience and other people may have other ideas about how to do it. I have been doing this for 3 years. I only vaccinate for Marek's. It would be a good idea to check with your area Ag Extension agent about the vaccinations that you might need in your area. Our agent only recommends vaccinating for Marek's.
Let me know if I can answer any questions to help you.

Also, be aware that with any vaccine there are slight risks. I sometimes lose about 2 to 5 % of my chicks after vaccination them. I believe it is because they have a weakened immune system and the vaccine sometimes will cause chicks to get sick and die. This usually happens within 2 weeks of administering the vaccine. I feel that that is a small percentage and I am willing to take the risk to protect my flock.

http://hensandfriends.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14141365-vaccinations-for-poultry

I hope this helps!
BunnyMomma

 

[newburt]

Wow!

...

Hi Burt! Yes you can vaccinate your own chickens. I always vaccinate my birds for Marek's disease. Feel free to visit this link on my website to see information that might be helpful to you. If you have any questions I'll be glad to help. I buy my vaccine from Twin City Poultry Supply.
It comes in 2 parts a powder that contains the vaccine and the dilutant solution. Because the vaccine can vaccinate 1000  chicks, I divide it (as needed) into 10 separate parts.

Be sure to keep the powder dry and refrigerated. I put the powder vial in a small baggie of dry rice in the fridge to keep moisture from ruining the vaccine. The dilutant comes in a plastic bag much like an IV solution bag. I take out one of the stoppers and pour 1/10 of the solution into a small disposable cup and and 1/10 of the powder. Note: I take a toothpick and chop up the powder in the vial. It is lumpy and this mixes up the powder more evenly.

Then I mix the vaccine with a disposable craft stick and draw up the liquid into a 3 ml syringe. Then I administer the vaccine (only 1 mark on the syringe per chick) If I am vaccinating bantams I have found that It is best to dilute the solution by 1/2 with distilled water. Bantams are more sensitive to the vaccine.

This has been my experience and other people may have other ideas about how to do it. I have been doing this for 3 years. I only vaccinate for Marek's. It would be a good idea to check with your area Ag Extension agent about the vaccinations that you might need in your area. Our agent only recommends vaccinating for Marek's.
Let me know if I can answer any questions to help you.

Also, be aware that with any vaccine there are slight risks. I sometimes lose about 2 to 5 % of my chicks after vaccination them. I believe it is because they have a weakened immune system and the vaccine sometimes will cause chicks to get sick and die. This usually happens within 2 weeks of administering the vaccine. I feel that that is a small percentage and I am willing to take the risk to protect my flock.

http://hensandfriends.webs.com/apps/blog/show/14141365-vaccinations-for-poultry

I hope this helps!
BunnyMomma

 
Wow!!! Yes this does help!! Thank you very much!!

 

[BunnyMomma]

You are welcome! Good luck.