Should I Vaccinate?

[Chicken.Owner.13]

Hi all! I am bringing 2-3 hens to fair in August to show and I was wondering if I need to vaccinate. This is my first time doing fair. If you think I should get them vaccinated, what should they be vaccinated for? I mostly though Mareks because of how it spreads when there are a lot of birds. Any advice helps!

 

[Kiki]

I believe, don't quote me, that Marek's vaccine needs to be done with in so many hours of hatch.
Respiratory diseases are a nightmare too.

 

[Kessel23]

The Marek's vaccination could help spread the disease. A bird with a vaccination can still get Marek's it just does not kill them, they will still be able to pass it on to other birds and kill them though. Either all of your birds should be vaccinated or none of them should be. When Marek's breaks out in your flock you will separate the infected birds and let them die, or possibly recover in some cases, if the vaccinated bird is infected then it will not die but it will continue to pass the disease to unvaccinated birds. You will either have to kill this bird if you want to stop the spread or sell it to someone who has a fully vaccinated flock. If you are planning to sell the birds after the show then do not vaccinate them, if you have an existing flock that is not vaccinated then don't vaccinate them, if you just will have these birds and you don't plan on selling them then go for it. Just remember, if you want to get more birds to add to your flock then get them vaccinated to. KiKisGirls is right, they will need to be vaccinated right after they hatch.

 

[Chicken.Owner.13]

The Marek's vaccination could help spread the disease. A bird with a vaccination can still get Marek's it just does not kill them, they will still be able to pass it on to other birds and kill them though. Either all of your birds should be vaccinated or none of them should be. When Marek's breaks out in your flock you will separate the infected birds and let them die, or possibly recover in some cases, if the vaccinated bird is infected then it will not die but it will continue to pass the disease to unvaccinated birds. You will either have to kill this bird if you want to stop the spread or sell it to someone who has a fully vaccinated flock. If you are planning to sell the birds after the show then do not vaccinate them, if you have an existing flock that is not vaccinated then don't vaccinate them, if you just will have these birds and you don't plan on selling them then go for it. Just remember, if you want to get more birds to add to your flock then get them vaccinated to. KiKisGirls is right, they will need to be vaccinated right after they hatch.

Ok. Do you think there is anything I need to vaccinate them for then? (Other than mareks)

 

[Kessel23]

I am not sure, I never vaccinate my birds against anything.

 

[Kiki]

Hopefully there aren't sick birds at your show...very possible there will be some there. You could spend a little time reading about chicken diseases and learn just how easily the are passed along/around Good luck.

 

[LibbyR]

I have not vaccinated my birds and they have never gotten sick at a show.I would say make sure to keep everything clean when showing and do not share anything with anyone even if they’re birds seem fine. Most shows will do vet checks before it so I’d there is a bird with symptoms it will be sent home. One thing you might want to do is delouse your birds.