Keeping vaccinated chickens with non-vaccinated chickens?

[cochins1088]

I'm looking to vaccinate my chicks that will be hatching soon because I will be showing and breeding them once they are grown and I don't want them being exposed to something that they are unpreared for. I was think Marek's, Fowl Pox, and New castle - infectious bronchitis. But the more I read the more confused I am. I read in a few places that if you vaccinate for Mareks, then you are giving them the disease so that they will not show symptoms, but will be carriers for life. If they are carriers, then can they infect my older non - vaccinated birds? And what about the other vaccines? I have never had a problem with any poultry disease from the 5 years I've owned chcikens, but if I'm showing them, I imagine there is a much higher risk for disease. Are there any diseases I should be particularily careful about when showing? Thanks.

 

[crazypolishchic]

I recently received a shipment of day old chicks from a hatchery that vaccinated and on the same day received some 4-6 week old chicks from an individual who did not vaccinate. I kept them side by side but in separate boxes for several weeks with no issues. The non-vaccinated chicks have been outside close to my established flock (that was vaccinated as chicks) and have not had any signs of problems. I haven't put any of them in the same pen yet but they have been just a foot apart and are now about 15 feet apart. This was my first try with non-vaccinated birds and they are as healthy as can be. Maybe you will get some advice from someone with more experience in this area.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm only going to talk about the Marek's. I don't know enough about the others you mentioned to be able to comment correctly.

Stop worrying about infecting your other chickens with Marek's because of the vaccine. The vaccine used is actually turkey Marek's, not chicken Marek's. They don't actually have chicken Marek's and they cannot pass the turkey Marek's on to other chickens.

Something you should be aware of. Vaccinating them with turkey Marek's will not stop them from getting chicken Marek's if they get exposed. It will still be possible for them to catch chicken Marek's and be carriers. The turkey Marek's vaccine stops the lesions from forming if they happen to catch Marek's. The lesions are what causes the damage.

So vaccinating your chicks with turkey Marek's will protect them but does not protect the other chickens. It also does not infect your other chickens.

Hope that helps.

 

[cochins1088]

Yes that does help, so If I vaccinate them for Mareks, I am only helping them and there shouldn't be any ill effects upon my non - vaccinated chickens. That makes me feel a lot better, I thought they would become carriers after the vaccine, guess I was wrong. Thanks to both of you, Does anyone else know anything about the other vaccines? Or any diseases that are in particularily a risk due to shows?