Salmonella vaccine vs Natural

[Kristakj78]

I have been told that it is better to get chicks from a hatchery that vaccinates for salmonella as opposed to getting them from places such as Tractor Supply (esp if you have kids under 4). I have three boys that I know want to be hands on with "helping" so I would appreciate some opinions on "experienced" hen keepers. My boys are 4, 6 and 14. I am hoping that proper sanitation and hand washing will be enough, but am trying to know exactly what we are thinking about getting into before we jump the gun. Thoughts?

 

[Syerf]

Hatcheries don't vaccinate against salmonella for small orders. This is due to the fact that lasting salmonella resistance requires (at least the programs I've seen) vaccination by mist at day-old, two separate doses via drinking water 2-4 weeks apart and finally an injection after 12 weeks of age. As you can imagine it is not practical and costly (vials of such vaccine are at least 5000 doses) for anything but a breeder flock.

All reputable hatcheries test their breeder flocks for salmonella. Cutting out the middleman and going straight to the hatchery eliminates a possible point of contamination though it anyone's guess as to weather or not it helps any. Honestly the best you can do is get your kids to wash their hands.

 

[SlipsWife]

Our TSC gets their chicks from a hatchery in New Mexico. We also have a local feed store that orders theirs from Privett, which I have an order coming from next week. My suggestion would be to check with your local store and find out what hatchery they use, then you can contact them and find out if they vaccinate their breeding flock. Hope this helps!

 

[Christine de]

I bought my 6 chickens from Tractor Supply in February, how can I find out if they came from the hatchery in New Mexico, that is in the news lately for salmonella? They have been healthy, and are laying eggs, we eat the eggs and they have been beautiful and delicious! I keep the coop as clean as I can and they free range all day in my large fenced in yard. So should I be concerned, I give the extra eggs to neighbors and don't want to harm anyone Thank you for any advice in advance