Mareks

[nuthatched]

My issue is my 6 babies inside - who are vaccinated - but even if they move outside in a new coop- across my yard, the wind will still blow

They could have got it literally anywhere, from birds overhead, some areas can have higher mereks risk.

Do not blame yourself!
It isn’t your fault.
You were trying to give them a good home and care for them.
It could happen to any of us who purchase chicks.
I purchased TSC chicks twice this year.
And I believe @nuthatched purchased chocolate orpington chicks, as well.
We all do and take the risk.
Please know it is NOT your fault.

I do, it's not likely that the hatchery or the store is contaminated, it could be from anywhere.

Unless anyone on here has any type of positive story

Many members here have mereks positive flocks, you can even work on breeding the birds to make a mereks immune flocks. it's not necessarily a death sentence.

 

[Ksimone]

They could have got it literally anywhere, from birds overhead, some areas can have higher mereks risk.

I do, it's not likely that the hatchery or the store is contaminated, it could be from anywhere.

Many members here have mereks positive flocks, you can even work on breeding the birds to make a mereks immune flocks. it's not necessarily a death sentence.

I hope not, I am beside myself

 

[banty007]

Don't blame urself, it's not ur fault, it's just a sad fact of life. Anyone who keeps flock birds (even herd animals) long enough will deal w/ disease & loss--period! I say this as a softy still mourning 2 losses from summer. Try to block it out & carry on...from each loss we learn something that we can apply to future care. I've got a 10 wk-old w/probable Marek's in my bathrm (legs not working); it'll be my "pet" 'til it passes (or survives disabled?) Plans->: vax future hatchlings against Marek's; relocate my 6 hens/4 chix to new area of barn (cleaner); try to reduce stress to help immune systems; add B vitamins "Poultry Cell" to waterers for overall health; instead of buying a new Silkie/Cochin, buy fertile eggs & vax the newborns...