Marek's Disease - adding to flock

[Lenny loves chickens]

I’d go pick them up.

Haven’t decided anything for sure, but appreciate your perspective!

No problemo

 

[KRack]

After losing two chicks to Mareks last year I learned my lesson and swore not to get unvaccinated chicks anymore.
The unvaccinated hens I have right now were hatched by my broody years ago so there was a choice to vaccinate them (I would have had to remove them from their mother right after hatching and quarantine them for three weeks for the vaccine to work) or keep them with their mother unvaccinated. Some of those chicks died of Mareks later on and one is still in my flock (she is 5 years old and shows no signs of disease).
I like to get chicks every other year to keep the egg production and because I love raising chicks so I will only get vaccinated chicks from now on eventhough I enjoy seeing them being raised by a broody, this is not an option anymore.
Unfortunately, I have the virus in my yard; on the other hand, the strain is not very virulent since I have some members in my flock that are 9 ,8 and 7 years old and doing very well. My flock consists of 18 hens and it is definitely a closed flock.
I am totally aware of the fact that even vaccinated chickens can get Mareks, however I am always hoping that mine will have a better chance to fight it. I know this is controversial, I have read here that it is better not to vaccinate them because when they get infected, they will die fast and will suffer less..... well I do not agree much, when I see one of my chickens suffering, I definitely cull them regardless. Suffering is not in my plan.

Thank you for sharing this perspective!

So the chicks hatched by your broody years ago were there before the Marek’s? How many of your flock now are vaccinated vs unvaccinated?