I have hatched chicks for a couple of year now and I finally ordered some eggs that I'm really excited about. They are high quality silver laced cochin bantams. They will hatch in less than 2 weeks. I will also have some other hatching in just over 3 weeks. I plan to show and breed them with they reach maturity. I'm just now learning about this Mareks disease, but it's still kinda fuzzy. I read that it's everywhere and that even if your flock doesn't show signs, you should assume you have it. I want these guys to live the fullest of their lives and I don't want them being exposed during shows and such (if they haven't been already). I don't believe any of our flock has it, but now that I think about it, we did have one hen that couldn't move her legs for 2 days and then died but this was over a year ago. Also, these aren't from a hachtery so if I did decide it was worth it, it'll cost me and I'll have to do it myself. I don't want to accidently ingure any chicks due to my inexperience. So, what do you guys think. Is this something necessary? What could happen if I decide against it?
Thanks,
Thanks,