Rooster with mass in neck, possible tumor, thymus response -- Marek's

[Nambroth]

Yes, that answers my question.

So, since I did not know enough to ask about vaccinations when I got those first chicks, I now have to take the risk of loosing loved pet birds any time that I bring other birds into my flock. Or stick with only these 6 until they are gone.

Until just now, I could never understand why backyard pet chicken owners would order more chicks than they actually wanted from a hatchery - and pay the high shipping costs. I have always said that it was better to get just a few each year from local breeders (swap). I still say that local breeders are a better option, but now I'm armed with more information & questions to ask to be better prepared.

Sigh-- sadly, yes, it seems that way. I wish it weren't so. I'm sure many people do it without a problem, but it is a risk. My vet told me that she sees Marek's more and more commonly. Of course this is because more and more people are keeping chickens.. and keeping them as pets.. and therefore taking them to a vet, but I thought it was worth mentioning it anyhow.

I hope that I someday find a way to have a few more quality cochins, because I love them and the ones I've seen (and experienced) from a good breeder are overall much preferred...

 

[artsyrobin]

I also read in another article that if you've got turkeys, "salting" your chicken's feed with turkey droppings can help the chickens develop an immunity to the disease. Darned if I can find some online info on it, though.

wonder if it is similar to broodies raising chicks - they rarely get cocci, because the hen has an immunity and the chicks nibble her droppings??

i wonder when you get chicks from feed stores if they have been vacinated?

 

[Nambroth]

wonder if it is similar to broodies raising chicks - they rarely get cocci, because the hen has an immunity and the chicks nibble her droppings??

i wonder when you get chicks from feed stores if they have been vacinated?

This probably depends on the origins of the chicks. I have been researching this, myself, and it seems that most of the time that feed store chicks (especially at some chain stores..) are not vaccinated. Probably if you ordered chicks through a feed store and requested vaccination, they'd vaccinate at the hatchery. It seems though that most commonly they are not unless requested, so one can probably assume that if you bought them from a feed store bin that they were not. You can always call and ask if they still have records or not, though, to find out. The employees might not know but if you can find out the hatch date and hatchery you might be able to back-track and call them.

When we were discussing Marek's, my vet expressed frustration with them (feed stores), as she had some patients come in with Marek's from a popular chain feed store. She called and asked why they didn't vaccinate (or order vaccinated birds from the hatchery), and was told that it was the customer's choice. I can see where they are coming from, but at the same time... by the time the chicks are AT the feed store, it's too late to vaccinate them anyhow! So there really is no choice.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

you are so lucky to have an Avian vet! I did some searching and we have nothing close to a "bird" vet.

 

[Nambroth]

you are so lucky to have an Avian vet! I did some searching and we have nothing close to a "bird" vet.

She is two hours away, but we are very fortunate to have her expertise within driving distance.

 

[katbriar]

Nambroth-

I have ordered a mix of chicks that haven't arrived yet- some are laying breeds which I'll keep long-term, others are Cornish Xs which I'll only have for a few weeks. I plan on preodically ordering more Cornish X chicks which would be raised adjacent to the layer's pen.

Have you found anything in your research about whether or nor Mareck's vaccines are effective/beneficial for flock management in a situation like this?

I've asked the hatchery to vaccinate. (Since I can't choose only some, they all will be vaccinated). But I've been wondering about vaccinating future successive batches of Cornish Xs. Could they be exposed in the few weeks that they're alive and then pass it to the layers? Would it be ineffective to vaccinate them because their immune systems wouldn't be boosted before they go to freezer camp? Would it be unnecessary because they wouldn't be around long enough to pose a threat to the layers?

I hope this makes sense- I only had about 3 hours of sleep last night and am suffering for it.

I'd be greatful for any opinions you have.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

She is two hours away, but we are very fortunate to have her expertise within driving distance.

Isn't it nice when you have one nearby? I never looked into a poultry vet and I was nervous I wouldn't be able to find one, but it turns out, my nearest poultry vet is only a half hour away! I hope to become an avian/reptile vet someday. How do vets not pass Marek's on to other birds or their own birds? They handle these birds all day, so wouldn't they have to worry about picking up diseases? That is my only concern.

 

[drumstick diva]

Shadow Rabbit ask your vet, and maybe it will put your mind at ease.

 

[shadow rabbit10]

I haven't had to go to my vet yet, but if I ever do, I will ask.

 

[cluckcluckluke]

She is two hours away, but we are very fortunate to have her expertise within driving distance.

Better than nothing!