We now have a flock 8 (mixed assortment of breeds). We have a few girls that were standards and so came vaccinated for Marek's. We also have a few bantams that were not vaccinated before we got them. We've had 2 girls come down with Marek's within the last month (both were silkies). After euthanizing our first girl, we just couldn't bring ourselves to do the 2nd one. I've read a lot on Marek's, but at times it seems what I read is conflicting.. so I was hoping someone could give a definitive answer on the forum... so here goes-
I have 2 girls that were born July 18th (not vaccinated) and I have 1 other girl that we got from a friend locally (probably born in the beginning of May) and I don't think she was vaccinated either. Any reading I do on Marek's always says to vaccinate the chicks at "A DAY OLD". I've just returned from the vet who euthanized our 2nd silkie earlier this morning.
Anyway, he said chickens who aren't a day old can still be vaccinated for Marek's (even if they have already contracted the virus). But as odd as it sounds, the livestock vet didn't have any vaccine on hand and didn't seem too knowledgeable on the subject. If I can find the vaccine online and want to vaccinate my other girls, how much do I give them (the same amount you would give a day old chick)??.. since they are older than a day old. Is there anywhere someone might recommend getting the vaccine online, since I've never purchased something like this before? I know the other girls who haven't already been vaccinated probably already have the virus, but the vet said giving them the vaccine could take effect before they start showing the signs of Marek's and therefore they could beat it. Please help, anyone?? And if we are able to vaccinate the other girls in time and they don't show outward symptoms of Marek's, what's to say they won't have tumors and such that we can't see?? Will this affect the eggs we get from them? Should be nervous to take any of their eggs if they do make it? Any information would be soo appreciated! These girls are our pets (not for meat, just for eggs) and I truly have a problem when my animals get sick. I'm trying to do my best in preventing any others from this same fate.
I have 2 girls that were born July 18th (not vaccinated) and I have 1 other girl that we got from a friend locally (probably born in the beginning of May) and I don't think she was vaccinated either. Any reading I do on Marek's always says to vaccinate the chicks at "A DAY OLD". I've just returned from the vet who euthanized our 2nd silkie earlier this morning.