Should I Vaccinate New Chicks?

[MissJenny]

I will soon hatch out a my third clutch of chicks and am wondering about vaccinating. I did not vaccinate my previous hatches. If I want to vaccinate these upcoming chicks, how would I do it, with what? Never have I poked anything with a needle. Do any of you really vaccinate your own? Surely farmers do... but the bantams are sooo tiny.

Should I vaccinate against Marek's and Cocci?

I am all ears,
Jenny

 

[ChickenFanatic447]

I'd vaccinate against cocci and mareks, yes. Unfortunately, I can't be of much help with the other parts of the question.

 

[iFairyx]

Injections are weird if you've never done them. The first time I done my lambs was horrible, although everything
went fine.

Check out what type of injections they are, where they do (under the skin, into the muscle etc) and research it a little bit.
You can always practice on an orange!!

Good'Luck

 

[MissJenny]

I have read that the Marek's vaccine is injected under the skin. I think I could do it... but where does one get the vaccine?


Thanks,
Jenny

 

[iFairyx]

In England some you get from the vets, and some from a shop (depending on the animal etc)... I'd start with a vet
as they can give the correct size needles etc and see if they give advice on what to do etc.

Under the skin is fairly straight forward, pinch the skin ... place the needle into it (making sure its under the skin so as not to waste any) and
then push down in the syringe - simple! You'll be fine.

Might need someone to hold the chicken whilst you do it though.