Hi everyone, I’m new and need help

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - sorry for the circumstances that bring you here.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Dang, not what I wanted to hear. I went to the link that had info on Mareks, read ... and then couldn’t find my way back here. Not sure why I have so much trouble navigating this website.

Ok, so it is still prudent to buy vaccinated chicks ... right? I have no chickens presently so I’d be starting with a clean slate. Does that give me an edge? As long as I never add unvaccinated chicks?

That is definitely one way to go. Limiting sources of birds, and trying only to bring in hatchery day old chicks or hatching eggs can help to limit diseases. Lots of nasty stuff out there. I learned early on that chickens from various sources was not a good idea. My chicks all come from one hatchery or I hatch my own. Lots of ways to do things. Finding what works best for you is the best way.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope it isn't Marek's but it does sound like it.

 

[HennyPenny2019]

If I can find this thread again, I’ll let you know what happens

THAT is often my issue too ... once I leave a post I can’t usually find it again

 

[ChocolateMouse]

OP, welcome to BYC. Sorry that you're having such a rough time. I would also ask for testing for Mareks.

Also...

Does immunizing chicks for Mareks prevent them from ever contracting this awful disease?

No. Nonononono. It's not like that. In fact, if you read the Mareks FAQ, they explain it.

The vaccine only prevents the SYMPTOMS, not the actual virus. So they keep living, but they still have the virus. They can still contract the virus while vaccinated. They still shed the virus while vaccinated. In fact they even shed MORE of the virus while vaccinated because they're healthy and feed the virus more, as opposed to a sick bird.
(Which is contrary to most human vaccines which kill the disease in the body before it can infect or spread, simulating natural immunity.)

Which is not to say don't get vaccinated chicks, because it does keep the chickens healthy in the presence of the virus, but remember that you're not actually protected from the VIRUS only the SYMPTOMS of it. Recently the virus has been adapting around the vaccine and you may still experience a 10%+ loss of chickens to Mareks even if 100% of your chickens are vaccinated if the virus exists in your flock.

A mareks positive flock is a sticky ball of difficulty that I wouldn't wish on anyone because of this. Your birds can still make unvaccinated birds sick even if they show no symptoms and you may still loose a substantial number of your own birds even if they are vaccinated. You also would have to do SERIOUS work to even come close to removing it from the soil, as it can live for years outside the body.

Many people try to breed for immunity to the virus. These people might be worth contacting. But in this case you have to remember to try to have serious biosecurity measures to make sure it doesn't spread to someone else's chickens when you're just walking through a feed store.

So... I just wanted to clarify that. To vaccinate or not for Mareks is really up to you and your personal management needs.

 

[ronott1]

Thank you, do u think it could be anything else?
I’ve read it can seem sudden, he was fine yesterday and today he’s not but I’d hate to put him out if his misery if it could be something else.
I’m sure I’m probably clutching at straws.
Would u leave him a few days to see if he gets any better?
I’m honestly gutted, I hatched 5 chicks this year for the first time and potentially lost 2 already

You cannot know for sure without the test. Follow the link for the test and buy one. You will know for sure then and can treat accordingly...which is to take good care or him if it is Mareks. move him to a hospital cage. I use a bug bunny cage in the garage where it is warmer. There sick ones get mashed feed, vitamins and rest.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. Hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

So sorry for your troubles

 

[FeatheredFriends2018]

Thank you for making me feel welcome
I’ve been out and spent most of the morning with the flock. Initially he seemed okay but as the mornings gone on he’s definitely off his feet. He doesn’t seem to be able to stand/walk for too long.
I’ve had s feel, it doesn’t seem to bother him when I touch his legs which I guess is bad news x