Colorado

[trsturself]

So what's your theory on how it got introduced? None of my birds are vaccinated as I suspect most backyard flocks are not. Are the vets recommending that all new chicks be vaccinated? How do you get in front of the problem? We all have migrating bird issues plus the resident magpies so some of the risk factors are out of our control.

CSU giving you an incorrect diagnosis is inexcusable. I've had my issues with the large animal side and don't have a tremendous comfort level with them.

There's a lot of interesting information out there about Marek's and the vaccinations and how they do and don't work. Sounds like even vaccinating them as chicks is not always fool proof, and doesn't stop them from being carriers since they can still get the virus, it just usually won't hit them as bad so they don't show symptoms but are then carriers (and shedders) of it. I'm surprised it's not more prevalent than it is.

 

[Ashdoes]

So what's your theory on how it got introduced?  None of my birds are vaccinated as I suspect most backyard flocks are not.  Are the vets recommending that all new chicks be vaccinated?  How do you get in front of the problem?  We all have migrating bird issues plus the resident magpies so some of the risk factors are out of our control.

CSU giving you an incorrect diagnosis is inexcusable. I've had my issues with the large animal side and don't have a tremendous comfort level with them.

The misdiagnosis was quite a mishap, and I'm not really sure why the girl decided to say the word she said. The necropsy doc thinks she saw the test results, and just guessed, which isn't very smart when it could have waited two hours for me to get the final lab report by email.
The Avian docs there really don't seem to think Mareks is a big deal anymore, they say "endemic" a lot. Most of us with birds will end up having an issue with it sooner or later, this is the gist from them. I think the answer is more resistance then vaccinate, but this is the opinion I've come to over the last two years of having chickens. The strongest will survive it, while being carriers...my question regarding that, is will the parents pass on that trait, a hardier chicken less likely to die from it? I have a list of questions for the docs, once they call me back. They've basically told me its my choice if we sell birds from our flock, "a judgement call". I don't agree with that, personally. My flock has it, because of that attitude, and that's upsetting.
I'm feeling better about the whole thing. I get to keep my chickens, keep getting eggs and hatch my own babies. That's what we started out wanting, and at least that can continue. Thank you all for being so supportive...I really appreciate all of your comments.

 

[COChix]

There's a lot of interesting information out there about Marek's and the vaccinations and how they do and don't work. Sounds like even vaccinating them as chicks is not always fool proof, and doesn't stop them from being carriers since they can still get the virus, it just usually won't hit them as bad so they don't show symptoms but are then carriers (and shedders) of it. I'm surprised it's not more prevalent than it is. 

I read that while it is not transferred from the mom to egg, even if you vaccinate a chick, once they are exposed to Marek's they will contract the infection.

The misdiagnosis was quite a mishap, and I'm not really sure why the girl decided to say the word she said. The necropsy doc thinks she saw the test results, and just guessed, which isn't very smart when it could have waited two hours for me to get the final lab report by email.
The Avian docs there really don't seem to think Mareks is a big deal anymore, they say "endemic" a lot. Most of us with birds will end up having an issue with it sooner or later, this is the gist from them. I think the answer is more resistance then vaccinate, but this is the opinion I've come to over the last two years of having chickens. The strongest will survive it, while being carriers...my question regarding that, is will the parents pass on that trait, a hardier chicken less likely to die from it? I have a list of questions for the docs, once they call me back. They've basically told me its my choice if we sell birds from our flock, "a judgement call". I don't agree with that, personally. My flock has it, because of that attitude, and that's upsetting.
I'm feeling better about the whole thing. I get to keep my chickens, keep getting eggs and hatch my own babies. That's what we started out wanting, and at least that can continue. Thank you all for being so supportive...I really appreciate all of your comments.

Yes, I agree with what you are saying as I have read the same, any bird exposed to the viral infection will contract the disease. Vaccinating is not fool proof and no guarantee that they won't get infected, but rather if done at an early age the hopes are that it will help the immune system grow strong and better fight the infection. I also agree with your stance on not selling from your flock. Good for you, and sorry that sucks if you got it from a chick you brought into your flock.

 

[COChix]

Hey guys,

Wanted to post this egg I found in the coop this am during my chicken chores.....

It weighed just under 10 grams, it is tiny!

 

[alebuela]

To CoCchix,

I'm loving all your eggs! What lays the stone gray egg? It's stunning

 

[Double Kindness]

We're almost ready for winter and built a new chicken condo on Sunday - Tuesday

predator proofing continues until I'm happy with it to protect my ayam cemani, white bresse, haffies and muscovy ducks. Winter is coming!

 

[COChix]

@Alebuela - tried the quote button but doesn't seem to be working, if you are asking about the egg on the far left in the pic I posted today, it is actually a very light cream colored egg. Bad lighting in the kitchen...

 

[dirkfour4]

nice job on the coop

 

[Ashdoes]

Well, on top of everything, we now have something killing chickens in the barn. Geez! It's either a cat, or a raccoon. As much research as I'm doing, I can't find the regulations on trapping and killing raccoons. What are the rules in El Paso county?
So far it hasn't done too much damage, but sooner or later it'll decide killing everything in there is a good idea. We want to set the traps tonight, if possible.

 

[alebuela]

. I have heard of some chickens laying stone-colored eggs, but I guess I'll just have to wait to see one!