Marek's vaccination and integrating chicks

[new2chix]

I have a small flock - 1 roo, 1 drake, 4 hens - and am adding to it this spring, of course! My existing flock has not been vaccinated for Marek's, and is and has been healthy - no signs of any problems. When I ordered my new chicks I decided to get them vaccinated for Marek's (live in the country, free-ranging, etc.). When I integrate the chicks (3-4 months down the road) into my flock, will it expose my unvaccinated flock to the disease? If so, can I vaccinate my adult birds before integration? Sorry if this seems foolish, but I've read just enough to be confused. Thanks!

 

[morelcabin]

I have mixed unvaccinated week old silkies with vaccinated day old hatchery chicks and not had any problems. Maybe I got lucky, but I don't worry too much about such things.

 

[new2chix]

Thanks - puts my mind more at ease. I didn't think there should be a problem, but I'm basing that on my experience with human vaccinations.

 

[EweSheep]

Havent had any problems with vaccinated and un vaccinated chicks and chickens even Mercks has shown at my door once and it did kill indiscrimately with vaccinated and non vaccinated birds. Got alot of wild birds in our area which neighbors all around me two blocks long have wild bird feeders in their lots.

So I would not worry too much about it unless its a major problem.

 

[MoodyChicken]

Your older birds will be just fine. Marek's Disease is found in the soil, so it's likely that your birds already have the virus. Make sure to give your new chicks are least a weak to gain immunity before you allow them to touch the ground or meet the other chickens.

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
I would recommend at least 10 days of quarantine to be sure. Don't even wear the same clothes taking care of the chicks that you have worn in the coop. Also, wash your hands before handling them.