Questions for 1st time chicken owner

[Chicken support]

I recently got 10 chickens for the purpose of egg laying...do I need to vaccinate them , and if so with what? I am brand new to chicken ownership and can use any help...thanks

 

[jjdward]

I didn't and I got 50.

 

[Chicken support]

so if there is no problem as of yet , dont worry about it?

 

[DragonFeathers]

I only worry when I add new birds to the flock.

 

[Chicken support]

uh oh my RIR has not been introduced to the flock as of yet, he is still in his 3 week peaceful seclusion, before submitting him to the chaos that is the "ladies"

 

[Shannon's Chix]

There are lots of threads about vaccinating...basically some do, some don't.

aren't you glad I could help?

 

[Chicken support]

Thanks , I'm 100% sure that I still dont know what to do,lol

 

[Ridgerunner]

Might I suggest this link. It won't tell you what to do but at least you will be confused at a higher level.

Small Flock Vaccination
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/377/small-flock-vaccination

When I was in your position, I called my local county extension agent. He lines me up with a veterinarian associated with the extension office that was also an Ag Professor at University of Arkansas who raises chickens, breeds chickens, and used to show them. He is also on the team that responds when poultry diseases show up in this area. I don't think I could have found a better source. After discussion with him, I decided to not vaccinate.

That decision was based on my local conditions, my planned flock management practices, and the history of diseases in this area. If I lived where Horsejody lives, I would not get a chicken without vaccinating for Marek's. If I were going to show chickens I would vaccinate for fowl pox and Marek's, maybe others. If I were planning on bringing in any new chcikens other than hatchery day-olds, I'd call him back and discuss it with him. There are some vaccinations that make a bird a carrier for life and you will them have to vaccinate any bird they may come in contact with.

It is a personal decision. I suggest calling your local county extension agent, in the phone book under county government, and discussing it with them. You might get lucky and wind up with someone very knowledgable about your local conditions.

Good luck!