i havent read the derp thread in a while and am truly sorry for the loss of trousers, i loved him and didnt even know him so i can only imagine the place he holds in your heart nambroth. you write so eloquently of your pets that we all become attached, they are like our friends as well.
no pro to the mareks disease myself i have read, and personally know a chicken owner who practices, having a turkey in your chicken yard helps with the control of mareks. it is not a cure, and not all people are able to own or even want to own a turkey. i found the information fascinating, as i find turkeys themselves fascinating - and any reason to own one is a good reason in my book. unfortunately i dont have the room *sigh
one resource lists having a turkey as a prevention method, along with good sanitation, ventilation, breed for resistance, vaccinate chicks and brood chicks separately from flock for 5 month http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
just information i felt the need to share. perhaps you are able/want to consider a turkey sometime in the future. my friends hand raised tom is most amazing. i love to dance with him when i visit her place.
You should take a video of you dancing with that Tom, I would love to see it.
