Marek's Disease - adding to flock

[KRack]

Hello all!

Just got necropsy results confirming Marek's in the one chicken I put down about 3 weeks ago. I'd like to hear from people with personal experience if possible.

How did you add to your flock going forward? Vaccinated/unvaccinated? What are your experiences? What's your advice?

TIA!

 

[907poultry]

I’ve not experienced Marek’s myself, try check this article

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How did you add to your flock going forward? Vaccinated/unvaccinated? What are your experiences? What's your advice?

Both, depends on your goals, how virulent your strain is, and so on.

If you're not breeding with a purpose.. get vaccinated birds and quarantine so you don't have to face heartbreaking symptoms.. some years I put down as much as 30% of unvaccinated birds.

Sorry you face this!

That article linked by the first poster is the best resource easily spelled out to help you make the right choice for YOU and your flock! Don't miss it.

 

[KRack]

I’ve not experienced Marek’s myself, try check this article

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Thank you! I should have mentioned I read this and any other article I could find on here about Marek's.

I appreciate the link though! That particular post gives me a lot of hope!!

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I didnt add to flock I waited for all to die and changed location of coop got new coopgot all new supplies I was probably way to thorough. And waited 6 months

 

[KRack]

Both, depends on your goals, how virulent your strain is, and so on.

If you're not breeding with a purpose.. get vaccinated birds and quarantine so you don't have to face heartbreaking symptoms.. some years I put down as much as 30% of unvaccinated birds.

Sorry you face this!

That article linked by the first poster is the best resource easily spelled out to help you make the right choice for YOU and your flock! Don't miss it.

Oh wow! So you notice a much higher death rate in the unvaccinated?

 

[KRack]

I didnt add to flock I waited for all to die and changed location of coop got new coopgot all new supplies I was probably way to thorough. And waited 6 months

This was my initial reaction too! If it's ok to ask, how long did it take for yours to die?

I do love my girls. I wish they'd all stay healthy for a long time! But I've lost a few and need to add to my flock in order for the egg production to actually be worth it financially. So I'm weighing my options.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

This was my initial reaction too! If it's ok to ask, how long did it take for yours to die?

I do love my girls. I wish they'd all stay healthy for a long time! But I've lost a few and need to add to my flock in order for the egg production to actually be worth it financially. So I'm weighing my options.

Oldest one made it to 8. But probably should have put her down at 5 since she couldn't walk she just kept being happy and every morning I thought I would do it but then I saw the sparkle in her eyes

 

[907poultry]

How devastating, my condolences.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

But every flock is different