Merek’s disease exposed chickens - how to rehome

[FrogRaku]

Hi - I have 5 lovely, brown egg laying hens who are about 2 years old. They are vaccinated for Merek’s disease and have been exposed to it. Since the vaccine is “incomplete,” I consider them contagious for it. I need to rehome them, because I just don’t have time for them, but I don’t want to devastate another’s flock. So, I’m looking for someone who only has vaccinated hens and will never breed their chickens. Their eggs are fine to eat and I really don’t want the hens to be eaten. I don’t know any other home chicken people who only buy vaccinated chickens (which, now I highly recommend to anyone. Merek’s is horrible and only costs a few cents per chick to vaccinate - totally worth it!). Any advice?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Never rehome chickens that have a disease, or possibly been exposed to one.

 

[nuthatched]

The Vaccination isn't necessarily incomplete, it just prevents symptoms (usually) but not the disease, so they are very likely typhoid marys.
Honestly, even people with Vaccinated flocks won't want them, too many other disease.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Question, can they be eaten?

 

[Susan Skylark]

What do you mean by ‘exposed to merick’s?’ Do they come from an endemic flock? Have they been sick themselves? Did your neighbor have it?

According to the Merck Vet Manual (8th edition) “every flock…may be presumed to be infected.” This does not mean giving away birds that you know are infected or from an infectious flock is a good idea but rather that the disease is widespread and most birds might be considered ‘exposed.’ If it has been several years since you’ve had an active case in your flock you can probably just rehome them, but if you are in the middle of an out break this would be a bad idea. The disease is very contagious, survives in the environment, can be spread by asymptomatic birds, and can spread via the air. I would not rehome them if you’ve had active infection in the last 2 years (even just mysterious bird deaths) but if you had it 3 years ago and nothing since, it is probably no different than rehoming any other bird. Eggs and meat are fine for human consumption this is a bird only disease.

 

[FrogRaku]

About 4 years ago, we had some eggs hatch with our rooster and hens. All the chicks from that brood got Merck’s and died as juveniles. The coop was cleaned and the adults lived. The next year, hawk got inside the chicken run and killed the 3 of 4 hens and our rooster. We got 4 more hens (vaccinated) about 2 years ago. Although it’s been years, i have to assume that the remaining hen is contagious, as well as the new ladies. I’d prefer that they find a new home if at all possible.

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you get a diagnosis from the state vet with a necropsy, or did you assume they had Mareks?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi - I have 5 lovely, brown egg laying hens who are about 2 years old. They are vaccinated for Merek’s disease and have been exposed to it. Since the vaccine is “incomplete,” I consider them contagious for it. I need to rehome them, because I just don’t have time for them, but I don’t want to devastate another’s flock. So, I’m looking for someone who only has vaccinated hens and will never breed their chickens. Their eggs are fine to eat and I really don’t want the hens to be eaten. I don’t know any other home chicken people who only buy vaccinated chickens (which, now I highly recommend to anyone. Merek’s is horrible and only costs a few cents per chick to vaccinate - totally worth it!). Any advice?

About 4 years ago, we had some eggs hatch with our rooster and hens. All the chicks from that brood got Merck’s and died as juveniles. The coop was cleaned and the adults lived. The next year, hawk got inside the chicken run and killed the 3 of 4 hens and our rooster. We got 4 more hens (vaccinated) about 2 years ago. Although it’s been years, i have to assume that the remaining hen is contagious, as well as the new ladies. I’d prefer that they find a new home if at all possible.

Did you send a bird to your state lab for analysis to confirm Marek's?

If they really need to be rehomed, then put all that info in your ad so potential takers can decide for themselves whether they want them or not.

A lot of people don't want vaccinated birds at all, some only want vaccinated - some don't care.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Question, can they be eaten?

Yeah. Might not be able to use organs if they have tumors, but the meat should be fine.

 

[FrogRaku]

I assumed it was Marek’s, based on the symptoms. We carried on, just fine with the hens, but it’s time to stop chicken tending and I just don’t have the heart to eat them.