Lost our first hen today - sudden lethargy, difficulty breathing... dead in 12 hours....

[coldrainsnow]

Great advice all, and great FAQ nambroth. Who knew I would have to learn so much about chicken viruses!
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Yes I realize that. I've been thinking of everything, including that I bought a used coop off craigslist. who knows the history of those birds in there?

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This is the big question that I don't know the answer to, and why I am about to email the breeder I got them from. I'm hoping the answer is yes - they have a pretty big operation that delivers pullets all over california, from San Diego to the Bay Area, so I can't imagine they are not vaccinating their chicks. But.... they are also an organic farm, so might be opposed for some reason.

I can't really comprehend how you could have a fairly large scale breeding operation and not be vaccinating against this....

Thanks again for all the help, this board is really a great place!

 

[Nambroth]

Good luck to you! I started out only vaguely knowing that Marek's existed, but no real details, until my flock was diagnosed with it as well. Then I spent months researching!! We sometimes get an education by fire when it comes to chickens, huh?

Anyhow I'm hardly an expert but if you have questions I can help with let me know. The "Marek's in the flock" thread mentioned before is also a good gathering of us Marek's people where we seek advice, thoughts, answers, and theorize together to try and live with this as best we can.

Best wishes, I sympathize completely with what you are going through!