OMG!! Getting chicks! UPDATE: Heard from the chicken dr.

[gritsar]

Quote:
I will definitely find out about that! Thanks for mentioning it. The man I am getting them from worked for the poultry company (name withheld) directly for 40 years before getting his own commercial houses to grow for the company. He's worked in the hatchery, the breeding houses, the laying and broiler houses; as well as having worked as one of the company's "chicken doctors". I'm sure I'll be able to trust his experience on the matter.
Thanks for all the helpful information and support y'all.

 

[gritsar]

I heard back from the "chicken doctor", Peter Brown.
Here is his response to my question about the risk to my current flock from chicks vaccinated against Laryngotracheitis:

Usually the Commercial Poultry birds are Vaccinated in the Hatchery for Mareks Disease, Newcastle-Bronchitis and possibly Gumboro Disease. LT is usually only done in a High Risk area and usually after 4 weeks of age.

You will be putting your entire flock at risk to save a few birds that otherwise would be unthrifty and may be more disease prone.

I understand your motives and your compassion as I have spent my entire Career keeping birds alive.

I would advise against doing this but in the end it is a compassionate personal decision.

Good Luck to you no matter what decision you make.


I have a hard decision to make. On the one hand, I'd love to give these little chicks a chance at life, but my flock is so healthy; I don't think it's worth the risk.
On the other hand, DH and the broiler farmer both know how much I care about my flock and they seem to think it's a good idea.

 

[the simple life]

Sorry about your dilemma, it is a tought decision. I guess I can't really offer any advice but for what its worth I am afraid that I would not risk my flock. Its just me but I am too afraid of that.
My method is that I 99 percent of the time hatch my own eggs to increase my flock, I am afraid to risk bringing anything into my flock so I have only twice bought chicks from someone I knew and I have decided though not to do it again.
That is just me though. Just don't feel guilty if you can't take them in. Just take your time and think on it.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Thanks

I am giving it alot of thought and gathering all the information I can on what it would take to keep these birds alive before I make my decision. Whatever I decide it will be with the health and well-being of my brahma flock kept foremost in my mind. They are my first flock and I love them dearly.

 

[jenjscott]

Perhaps the DH and broiler guy don't understand the risk involved. I guess this is associated with a live virus vaccine? I probably wouldn't chance it.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That's the thing. The neighbor involved knows all about every aspect of raising commercial birds. He's worked for the poultry company, in various capacities, for 40+ years. He also knows how much I baby and love my flock; not to mention he loves the fresh eggs we supply him with.

DH also knows commercial birds. This farm was at one time a commercial broiler farm.
I think I'll have a discussion about this with the neighbor next time I see him.