Marek's and Coccidiosis vaccine from Murray's

[ansky225]

I'm going to place my first order for our first chicks from Murray's. The order "strongly suggests" having them vaccinate for Marek's and Coccidiosis before shipping (19 cents each, per bird). Should I say yes to both?

Also, they "recommend" ordering Quick Chick 4 oz for $3.95 and Gro-Gel Plus for $3.90. Should I order one of each as well?

Lastly, I "might want" Broiler Booster 4 oz for $7.95, a free rare chick, and a pullorum certificate. I don't see myself showing the chicks, so I don't think I'd need the certificate. I'm also not sure about the free rare chick - it says you don't get a choice about the sex or breed. I don't want any guys, and I don't know what I'd do with a rare guy if I can't keep him. Should we get one and I can always list it some place to see if someone wants it if I can't keep it? And I don't think I need Broiler Booster because I'm getting ladies for egg layers.

Thanks!

 

[3riverschick]

I'm going to place my first order for our first chicks from Murray's. The order "strongly suggests" having them vaccinate for Marek's and Coccidiosis before shipping (19 cents each, per bird). Should I say yes to both? No do not do either one. Just raise your chicks on medicated chick feed. There are several brands of medicated chick feed to choose from.
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Also, they "recommend" ordering Quick Chick 4 oz for $3.95 and Gro-Gel Plus for $3.90. Should I order one of each as well?
The Gro-Gel is to feed them the first day they arrive at your place. The Quick Chick is electrolyes in case they are stressed by shipping.

Lastly, I "might want" Broiler Booster 4 oz for $7.95, a free rare chick, and a pullorum certificate. I don't see myself showing the chicks, so I don't think I'd need the certificate. I'm also not sure about the free rare chick - it says you don't get a choice about the sex or breed. I don't want any guys, and I don't know what I'd do with a rare guy if I can't keep him. Should we get one and I can always list it some place to see if someone wants it if I can't keep it? And I don't think I need Broiler Booster because I'm getting ladies for egg layers.
Skip the Broiler Booster, you don't need it. Take the free rare chick, If you don't like it, you can always sell it on craigslist. Take the certificate. It's a good baseline health record for your birds.
Best Regards,
Karen in western PA, USA
Thanks!

 

[Kelsie2290]

I always get the Mareks vaccine if it is offered. It won't hurt anything if you don't have it in your area / your birds are never exposed to it, if they are it may save them. Good article from the Learning Center on it. https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

Coccidia I also get, more because I find it easier than feeding medicated feed since I buy non-medicated in bulk, and if you have an outbreak you are going to have to use Corid etc anyhow.

The other stuff, Quik Chick, Gro-Gel, you don't need it (can add sugar/ vitamins to the water etc), but if it is easier to just get it why not. Don't need the Broiler stuff for layers.

I always get the free chick also, sometimes they are actually pullets... if you absolutely won't get rid of a bird once you have it you may not want to because of the 50+% possibility of it being male ... but if you are willing to sell / giveaway the bird, why not...

Certificate, usually don't bother since not showing and they are a commercial hatchery with info available anyhow.

 

[new2chickes]

All my chicks came with the Marek's and I just fed unmedicated feed, I learned that there is no point in feeding medicated feed unless there is something wrong. I did order the Grow Gel but they didn't really eat it and if all your chicks are all layers then you really don't need the Broiler Booster and I would get the free rare chick

 

[JeanR]

Medicated feed only contains a low dose of Amprolium, which, when fed for 2 or 3 months, your chicks will develop an immunity to Coccidiosis--nothing else. I would never risk Coccidiosis, but you may be in an area that remains dry and is not much risk. Yes, you can treat for Coccidiosis, but the treatment is a poison and must be used exactly as directed, then followed by feeding Yogurt or other, to replenish the good bacteria in the gut, that the Cocci treatment will kill.

Even if you have never had or seen Marek's Disease, for any birds you plan to keep for laying or breeding, it is very good insurance. If just ONCE you have Marek's, you will always have it, a long lived virus--best to keep it away, if possible. I raise chicks, year around, and I now have to vaccinate every chick, as I bought a hen that went down, just 3 weeks after she arrived==had it with unvaccinated birds ever since. No treatment, no cure, and IF a bird recovers it is a carrier of the virus all its life. Just my experience!

 

[CalvinHobbes]

I have 16 5-week old chicks from Mc Murray now - they are 15 from the large meat bird variety pack plus the one free one. Not sure which one the free one is, but all of them are healthy and doing great (there is one who was blind in one eye from day one but still eats and drinks, etc. normally). All were vaccinated, but didn't get any of the rest of the stuff you mentioned. I know there's a lot of people who disagree with vaccinating (I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet) but they are my first experience with baby chicks so I figured any odds in my favor would help.

One thing I do know is that if you do get them vaccinated, feeding them medicated starter will cancel out the cocci vaccine, so they need non-medicated feed if you go that route.

I've also seen posts on BYC in which people attribute the gel to pasty butt. Not sure about this since I didn't get any, but they do put some in with the chicks to eat on their journey. I just did the sugar in the water trick the first few days. As for broiler booster, I believe that's usually for ones you want to get big and plump for the freezer/oven. I don't think it would harm your pullets, but it's extra money you probably don't need to spend.

Good luck!

 

[ansky225]

Thanks for all the replies!! Really appreciate it!

 

[Folly's place]

Hello, and welcome! Marek's vaccine is a REALLY GOOD idea, as other posters said. I always get it in birds from the hatchery, it's good insurance in case Marek's shows up on my farm. I don't bother with the coccidiosis vaccine; feeding the medicated chick feed is a better bet if you happen to have the parasite on your property. I have so far been blessed

not having either problem, but that's not to say that either may show up next week! Biosecurity is vital to having a healthy flock; My birds don't go to shows, only chicks from known sources come here, never older birds, and visitors wear clean clothes and shoes. Mary