Coccidiosis Vaccine - When are chicks fully protected?

[ladybrasa]

My first chicks this year received the Coccidiosis vaccine (McMurray). No other subsequent chicks have (various sources). The McMurray chicks are now about 2 months old. As I understand it, the vaccine is live attenuated coccidia of several species of Eimeria. These attenuated cells infect the chicks but cause little to no symptoms so that the chick’s immune system can ‘learn’ about the parasites and develop antibodies. This requires at least a few life cycles of the attenuated coccidia for full effect.

My question is, when is full effect achieved? Weeks? Months? If I understand correctly, once a chick has achieved all the immune response it’s going to get (they will have immune ‘memory’ so to speak), it seems like it wouldn’t matter if they ate medicated food (amprolium) or not. A few of the unvaccinated chicks - not entirely sure which ones - have kind of orangish jelly- like stools. No blood. Everyone seems to be doing fine - active, eating and drinking. I would like to get medicated feed to help out whichever chicks have this stool. Thoughts?

 

[Myrshine]

Unfortunately vaccines don’t always give 100% immunity, it helps fight the diseases off for as long as possible- until your bird’s bodies can’t handle it anymore. I wouldn’t just rely on vaccines, just keep an eye out for any diseases at any time. If you’re ever worried about anything, call your vet or seek information. Good luck!