Does anyone NOT vaccinate for Marek's?

[lakeontariochicks]

I didn't even know about vaccinating for Marek's disease until the last few days, and it occurred to me today to ask TSC where I bought the chicks if they would be vaccinated. They told me they would not.

I will vaccinate if I have to- I am getting the feeling if I am going to order the vaccine though I need to hurry as supplies run out. My daughter is a nurse, so I'm sure she would help.

My big question is- does Marek's come from other chickens? There have been no chickens on this property for years and years, and the closest chickens that I can tell are at least a couple of miles away in any direction.

Just wondering what my risks are??

 

[silverbird]

Funny you should ask, I asked my vet the same thing yesterday. Her response was that it is mostly big hatcheries or farms with a lot of birds coming and going that require it. She said she has actually never vaccinated for it. Most people apparently have a closed flock and don't. She didn't feel that I needed to with my tiny flock. But I am curious to hear other people's opinions about it!

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I don't vaccinate anything. I have goats chickens turkeys and quail...no vaccs...just my way

 

[dntd]

mine came pre vaccinated, they do it to all the birds if you want it or not.

 

[vnploveschickens]

In my experience, I've lost too many chickens to Mareks and will never, EVER again get chicks that are not vaccinated.
You put so much time, money and love into our birds just to lose them in a horrible death. I will always get vaccinated chicks
and recommend that to anyone. Mareks is just out there, everywhere.

http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/mareks-disease.html

 

[silkiechicken]

I've never vaccinated mine, 10+ years and the place was a commercial poultry farm in the 50's. It's a bigger deal in some areas and if you order from a hatchery, they will vaccinate if you ask.

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

Never have, never will

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I bought five chicks from someone locally, who got them from a hatchery, and they are NOT vaccinated. Then I purchased 12 more from a feed store and they ARE vaccinated for Marek's and Coccidiosis.

I was giving the first chicks medicated feed, now I have all chicks on non-medicated feed. I have been wondering if I need to vaccinate the first batch even though they were on medicated feed for
the first two weeks.

Mine will be a closed flock, but I wonder about wild birds passing something on to my chickens.

Also, is it better to vaccinate using live or not live vaccines? So much to learn!!

 

[cray4en]

no, i don't and don't feel the need to.

 

[tammyd57]

I don't and never have. Hundreds of healthy chickens over 4 decades can't be wrong.