Marek’s or something else????

[ValerieJ]

Wow Kelsey. Those are some sad pictures and videos. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.

The vaccine sounds like it's not very feasible unless you want to spend an extra $50 every time you hatch chicks, and if it's only good for 24 hrs, then all your chicks would need to be born within a 24 hr period. I would just go with vaccinated chicks in the future.

I'm so sad for your cockerel. And you! I hope the necropsy comes back negative for Marek's.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I realized I had mareks in my chickens 3 years ago. I purchased chicks that evidently were infected. I raise a few chicks every year, but they all succumb to it between 5mo to a year. I have yet to have any chickens developed resistance. The only birds I have that survived it are hens that had been vaccinated. I was hoping to breed for resistance, but have put so many lovely birds down that I have givin up.

Oh no that’s so sad!! so sorry!!

This is what I’m afraid of though and why I’m so scared to ever hatch again.

Which sucks because Jack is gorgeous and I really wanted to hatch his babies.

Also wanted to hatch Red’s but I’m betting the eggs are no longer fertile.

 

[Birdielee]

I realized I had mareks in my chickens 3 years ago. I purchased chicks that evidently were infected. I raise a few chicks every year, but they all succumb to it between 5mo to a year. I have yet to have any chickens developed resistance. The only birds I have that survived it are hens that had been vaccinated. I was hoping to breed for resistance, but have put so many lovely birds down that I have givin up.

Have any of your vaccinated birds contracted it? And can the vaccine be given as an adult?

 

[ShrekDawg]

KDOGG331, I'm sorry about Red. Poor guy. I'm glad you separated him from the girls.
Reading this thread, i was really confused. I thought Marek's made lumps or tumors. So i looked it up and turns out there are 2 forms.

"Marek's disease is not a risk to humans or other mammals. Eggs and meat from infected chickens are not affected by the disease and are safe to eat. However, if a chicken was infected with the cutaneous form of Marek's, it may have skin and/or internal tumors that can be unsightly.
extension.msstate.edu › publications
Marek's Disease in Backyard Chickens | Mississippi State ..."

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. It really sucks because I hatched him myself.

And yeah, I think there’s actually a third form too where it affects their eyes.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Wow Kelsey. Those are some sad pictures and videos. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this.

The vaccine sounds like it's not very feasible unless you want to spend an extra $50 every time you hatch chicks, and if it's only good for 24 hrs, then all your chicks would need to be born within a 24 hr period. I would just go with vaccinated chicks in the future.

I'm so sad for your cockerel. And you! I hope the necropsy comes back negative for Marek's.

Thank you Valerie! Definitely very sad. I hate seeing him like this. especially when just a couple weeks ago he was mating everything in sight and crowing and being his usual rambunctious self.

And yeah, it’s stupid. I had thought the mixed vaccine (you have to mix/prepare it before using) didn’t last that long but the vial itself lasted longer? I don’t know though. Either way, I will not be vaccinating 1,000 chicks anytime soon so it’s stupid. But I was hoping to be able to hatch Jack or Red’s babies.

I’m sad too. I hatched him myself and have gotten quite attached.

I am hoping it’s negative too but at the same time not because then I’ll feel like I killed him for nothing as stupid as that sounds.

 

[Birdielee]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it. It really sucks because I hatched him myself.

And yeah, I think there’s actually a third form too where it affects their eyes.

I wouldn't be surprised. It looks like it's some kind of herpes that doesn't affect mammals. Herpes is sneaky stuff.

 

[CSAchook]

Sorry about Red, Kelsey. It is a terrible situation.

It sounds like you also have new babies in the house? You need to be aware that vaccinated chicks take a couple weeks (2 week minimum) to develop full immunity. So you will need to keep them indoors and practice strick biosecurity going forward to protect them as much as possible until they are 2-3 weeks old.

 

[ShrekDawg]

I wouldn't be surprised. It looks like it's some kind of herpes that doesn't affect mammals. Herpes is sneaky stuff.

It sure is!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Sorry about Red, Kelsey. It is a terrible situation.

It sounds like you also have new babies in the house? You need to be aware that vaccinated chicks take a couple weeks (2 week minimum) to develop full immunity. So you will need to keep them indoors and practice strick biosecurity going forward to protect them as much as possible until they are 2-3 weeks old.

Thank you! It really sucks seeing him like this considering how active and strong he was just a couple weeks ago. the kind of funny (or sad?) thing is I didn’t really like him that much for a bit because he didn’t try to woo the girls or anything and just assaulted them but then now seeing him like this and how friendly and calm he’s gotten, I love him a lot more and feel awful for him.

And yes, I just got them on Thursday. I think they hatched Tuesday (I say I think because they were supposed to ship Wednesday but shipped early so I think they hatched early??). Anyway, I’ve been trying to be pretty careful but will definitely be a lot more careful going forward and keep them inside longer than planned.

I hope they stay safe.

Oh and also, you just recently got chicks too right? Do you have Cochins? 5 of mine are bantam Cochins.

 

[CSAchook]

Thank you! It really sucks seeing him like this considering how active and strong he was just a couple weeks ago. the kind of funny (or sad?) thing is I didn’t really like him that much for a bit because he didn’t try to woo the girls or anything and just assaulted them but then now seeing him like this and how friendly and calm he’s gotten, I love him a lot more and feel awful for him.

And yes, I just got them on Thursday. I think they hatched Tuesday (I say I think because they were supposed to ship Wednesday but shipped early so I think they hatched early??). Anyway, I’ve been trying to be pretty careful but will definitely be a lot more careful going forward and keep them inside longer than planned.

I hope they stay safe.

Oh and also, you just recently got chicks too right? Do you have Cochins? 5 of mine are bantam Cochins.

I do have bantam Cochins and they are beyond cute. Look at those feet!