Should I get vaccines or other treatments?

[dcphotos]

Hi, Newbie alert here. I just got my first 5 chickens Saturday. I posted some photos here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=224921

I saw where a site that ships chickens vaccinates them, and I was wondering if I need to do such a thing with mine. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[horsejody]

I don't know much about the other vaccines, but the Mareks has to be done before they have any exposure to outside, other birds, etc.

 

[dcphotos]

So this is something that might have already been done? Where can I order the stuff? My wife is a small animal vet but treats dogs and cats and has never worked with chickens.

 

[horsejody]

The hatcheries normally only vaccinate if you include that in your order. It usually costs just a few pennies per bird. I order vaccine from Twin City Poultry Supply.

http://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/

Don't be scared when you see that some vaccines only come in containers that have 1000 doses. It's still pretty cheap even if 99% is wasted. Contact your local extention office. They can tell you the vaccines recommended for your area. I always vaccinate for Marek's because it's everywhere, but I do it to them as day old chicks.