House Chicken?

[AngBantamLuv]

The Marek’s vaccine doesn’t give them the virus. However, a vaccinated bird can still get it and not show symptoms, then pass it on to unvaccinated birds.

Yes, so once one is vaccinated, they all need to be vaccinated.. which is the concern since the pp already has chickens.

 

[AngBantamLuv]

The Marek’s vaccine doesn’t give them the virus. However, a vaccinated bird can still get it and not show symptoms, then pass it on to unvaccinated birds.

The vaccine is not considered stable, and can "leak" the virus.

 

[Lovem all]

I have not had a house chicken but if you need advice on introducing her to the flock I can help. As far as imprinting on you it's very possible my Guineas did the same thing and I have a young orpington roo who follows me in the yard and cries until I pet him but don't worry about leaving them alone.

 

[The Backyard Bantams]

SO if they are vaccinated they automatically give it to my girls.?”?!!?!!,..!?

 

[Sonya9]

From what I have read chicks do NOT imprint on humans the way some other bird species will.

I would buy some chicks of a similar age and raise them together. Trying to integrate a lone adolescent bird into a flock is VERY stressful on them since they have no friends to roost with etc... The stress can actually be fatal.

 

[Chickassan]

Yes and no.
They'll imprint heavily until sexual maturity is approaching.
Once they're past that point they'll wean themselves of your presence since a natural mother did not.
Long story short , once they start shaving and wanting to borrow the car your "hen" days are done.

From what I have read chicks do NOT imprint on humans the way some other bird species will.

I would buy some chicks of a similar age and raise them together. Trying to integrate a lone adolescent bird into a flock is VERY stressful on them since they have no friends to roost with etc... The stress can actually be fatal.

 

[Sonya9]

Yes, so once one is vaccinated, they all need to be vaccinated.. which is the concern since the pp already has chickens.

Plus last I heard vaccinated chicks cannot be exposed to the Mareks virus for 2 weeks which means it is really only practical for brand new flocks.

I have had Mareks in my flock for 6 years now and while there were some deaths initially some changes in flock management have made it a non-issue (haven't had a case in 4 years now).

Mareks is a herpes virus and stress is the trigger. Adolescent chicks undergoing integration stress are the most at risk from Marek's followed by sick/injured birds. I only add chicks via a broody these days to eliminate integration stress, and if any bird gets injured or seems unduly stressed I give them a couple of doses of an anti-herpes med before symptoms appear.

 

[Sonya9]

Yes and no.
They'll imprint heavily until sexual maturity is approaching.
Once they're past that point they'll wean themselves of your presence since a natural mother did not.
Long story short , once they start shaving and wanting to borrow the car your "hen" days are done.

That makes sense. I only use broodies these days and most just don't realize how much chicks need a real mother! She teaches them soooo much in addition to providing comfort. They are incredibly social animals and the hen/chick relationship is very complex.

 

[M Brennen]

Plus last I heard vaccinated chicks cannot be exposed to the Mareks virus for 2 weeks which means it is really only practical for brand new flocks.

I have had Mareks in my flock for 6 years now and while there were some deaths initially some changes in flock management have made it a non-issue (haven't had a case in 4 years now).

Mareks is a herpes virus and stress is the trigger. Adolescent chicks undergoing integration stress are the most at risk from Marek's followed by sick/injured birds. I only add chicks via a broody these days to eliminate integration stress, and if any bird gets injured or seems unduly stressed I give them a couple of doses of an anti-herpes med before symptoms appear.

Can you share what flocks management changes you made? I would like to make sure it is eliminated from my coop. And, what is the anti-herpes med?

 

[LittleBigBantam]

I have raised multiple chicks alone, and to this day they are still the friendliest little chickens. I had little to no issue integrating them into the flock, even though one stayed in the house for two months!