MJ's little flock

[RoyalChick]

Well, that's another factor to consider.

Does "more deadly" also mean "more virulent"?

Yes. I think those mean the same thing.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm recalling that every flock already carries Marek's. If immunity is high, symptoms won't be expressed. A bird exhibiting symptoms can "get better" over time if the immune system strengthens. Reducing stress improves the immune system.

Stress is reduced through adequate feeding, watering, hygiene and preventing overcrowding.

Dr Mark took a moment's glance at the video above and said Marek's. Then we talked through the above details and he said you could return her or opt for euthanasia or give her a few months to see if she improves.

Quarantine has another two weeks anyway. So I'll see how she tracks and take time to consider the options carefully. One decision is already made, I wouldn't feel ok about returning her.

I'm grateful her buddies are not exhibiting symptoms. Their immune systems are doing well.

I'm also grateful to have found someone who sells Mareks vaccinated, vent sexed chicks, and I'll be expanding the flock with them in a couple of years.

That's very sad. I'm glad you are not returning her. for you both.

 

[BY Bob]

Well, that's another factor to consider.

Does "more deadly" also mean "more virulent"?

Technically in scientific terms they do not. Practically in every day use, they do.

In scientific terms they mean this.

Virulent means how easily is it spread and cause disease. Many things are fairly virulent but don't cause death. The common cold for example.

Deadly means once the disease state has begun how often does it kill. During the middle ages yersinia pestis was deadly. Very few survived infection. It is no longer deadly as we now have antimicrobial treatments for it. So deadly can vary based on circumstances.

Yersinia pestis infection is commonly referred to as The Plague.

 

[MaryJanet]

Yes. I think those mean the same thing.

If she had that form of Marek's should I expect her coop mates to start exhibiting symptoms? So far they seem normal if struggling with digestion.

 

[MaryJanet]

Technically in scientific terms they do not. Practically in every day use, they do.

In scientific terms they mean this.

Virulent means how easily is it spread and cause disease. Many things are fairly virulent but don't cause death. The common cold for example.

Yes, that's the distinction I was making.

Something can be not at all virulent, like lung cancer in humans, but quite deadly.

Deadly means once the disease state has begun how often does it kill. During the middle ages yersinia pestis was deadly. Very few survived infection. It is no longer deadly as we now have antimicrobial treatments for it. So deadly can vary based on circumstances.

Yersinia pestis infection is commonly referred to as The Plague.

Right.

So maybe I'm still in the dark about whether the more deadly form of marek's is also more contagious.

 

[MaryJanet]

That's very sad. I'm glad you are not returning her. for you both.

I'm sad for her.

I will manage by introducing vaccinated chicks in future.

I've come around to your way of thinking about expansion Bob. Chicks are best. They haven't caught anything yet, they haven't been starved or dehydrated, they haven't been overcrowded, etc etc.

When I compare Melissa who grew up under my care and who is a bonny young hen, getting ready to lay, with lots of energy and joy, to the new pullets who are still recuperating and carrying Marek's, the way forward is clear.

It's going to be vaccinated chicks in future.

 

[BY Bob]

I'm sad for her.

I will manage by introducing vaccinated chicks in future.

I've come around to your way of thinking about expansion Bob. Chicks are best. They haven't caught anything yet, they haven't been starved or dehydrated, they haven't been overcrowded, etc etc.

When I compare Melissa who grew up under my care and who is a bonny young hen, getting ready to lay, with lots of energy and joy, to the new pullets who are still recuperating and carrying Marek's, the way forward is clear.

It's going to be vaccinated chicks in future.

I've gone back and forth on this but I'm going to try and stick with chicks. I'd rather deal with a rooster.

 

[MaryJanet]

I've gone back and forth on this but I'm going to try and stick with chicks. I'd rather deal with a rooster.

And I'm thinking of breeders who do vent sexing, which they say is 80% accurate. It should at least reduce the numbers of unexpected cockerels.

By the way, when I was at the vet this morning, one of the nurses gave me another update on Boris (The Artist Formerly Known as The Vulture), and he's doing really well!! They are thrilled with his gentlemanly conduct and he's getting along extremely well with his hen friends

 

[LozzyR]

And I'm thinking of breeders who do vent sexing, which they say is 80% accurate. It should at least reduce the numbers of unexpected cockerels.

By the way, when I was at the vet this morning, one of the nurses gave me another update on Boris (The Artist Formerly Known as The Vulture), and he's doing really well!! They are thrilled with his gentlemanly conduct and he's getting along extremely well with his hen friends

That’s wonderful, I’m so happy for Boris!

 

[BY Bob]

And I'm thinking of breeders who do vent sexing, which they say is 80% accurate. It should at least reduce the numbers of unexpected cockerels.

By the way, when I was at the vet this morning, one of the nurses gave me another update on Boris (The Artist Formerly Known as The Vulture), and he's doing really well!! They are thrilled with his gentlemanly conduct and he's getting along extremely well with his hen friends

How wonderful. I'm so glad to here good things about Boris. That turned out very well.