Mereks vax reccomendation

[JensChickies]

Hello. I recently added to my flock with 4 approx 4 day old chicks. They are in the brooder nice and warm, but I have a question about the vaccine. They did not come vaccinated from the hatchery.

What age do I vaccinate?? Is it too late?

If they are vaccinated and my old flock is NOT, does that introduce the disease to my older 3 hens?

Any advice/thoughts are welcomed. Thank you!

Jenna

 

[CarpCharacin]

What age do I vaccinate?? Is it too late?

You're supposed to vaccinate at one day, but the vaccine would still likely have an effect in regards to inducing an immune response in older birds, provided that they haven't previously been exposed to the virus.

If they are vaccinated and my old flock is NOT, does that introduce the disease to my older 3 hens?

No, but the vaccine is considered to be "leaky", meaning that it if vaccinated birds are exposed to the virus, it will prevent them from showing symptoms, but they may still be able to transmit the virus to other birds.

 

[JensChickies]

You're supposed to vaccinate at one day, but the vaccine would still likely have an effect in regards to inducing an immune response in older birds, provided that they haven't previously been exposed to the virus.

No, but the vaccine is considered to be "leaky", meaning that it if vaccinated birds are exposed to the virus, it will prevent them from showing symptoms, but they may still be able to transmit the virus to other birds.

Ok, thank you. Is it better to have a completely unvaccinated flock or a half vaccinated flock?

 

[CarpCharacin]

Ok, thank you. Is it better to have a completely unvaccinated flock or a half vaccinated flock?

It's up to you whether you want to vaccinate or not, but the vaccine won't hurt older birds, if you were to vaccinate your entire flock. It just may be less effective than if you vaccinated them when they were younger. Here is a good article on Marek's:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[JensChickies]

It's up to you whether you want to vaccinate or not, but the vaccine won't hurt older birds, if you were to vaccinate your entire flock. It just may be less effective than if you vaccinated them when they were younger. Here is a good article on Marek's:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Are there any other vaccines that would be helpful? Fowl pox?
I have them on medicated feed so I do t need that vaccine.

 

[CarpCharacin]

Are there any other vaccines that would be helpful? Fowl pox?
I have them on medicated feed so I do t need that vaccine.

Medicated feed won't prevent birds from being infected with a virus. I think the fowl pox vaccine is meant to be used after 8 weeks of age, but at least 4 weeks prior to the start of laying.

 

[JensChickies]

Medicated feed won't prevent birds from being infected with a virus. I think the fowl pox vaccine is meant to be used after 8 weeks of age, but at least 4 weeks prior to the start of laying.

Yes. Sorry. I meant the va for coccidiosis

Ok. Good info. Thank you.

 

[JensChickies]

One more random question. I have always used a heat lamp, but have changed my ways with this batch and I bought an EcoGlow. Is this too low for them?? They squat when they go under...kinda like how they would if they had their mama.

 

[AppleMomma65]

One more random question. I have always used a heat lamp, but have changed my ways with this batch and I bought an EcoGlow. Is this too low for them?? They squat when they go under...kinda like how they would if they had their mama.

I have similar - waiting for my chicks to arrive - and was suggested by mfg that can raise front and leave back low so that they can get out from underneath but still have warmth near the back.

 

[JensChickies]

I have similar - waiting for my chicks to arrive - and was suggested by mfg that can raise front and leave back low so that they can get out from underneath but still have warmth near the back.

I have had a heat lamp for 2 days and they were so trained that heat=red color. They wouldnt go underneath it, but would sprint towards the heat lamp when I turned it on! I had to trick them by putting a red flashlight by it. It worked!! So just a heads up if you run into that probelm

I finally got them to go underneath it then gradually lowered it. 2 of them love it and the other 2 not so much so I think I will up oneside. Thank you!