Silkie breeding, genetics & showing

[BarnGoddess01]

Can the experienced breeders on here help outline what steps to take when someone suspects Mareks in a bird?

I'm wondering:
1) should the bird in question be euthanized based on the symptoms of Mareks ?
A. or should the bird be treated in hopes that she will recover?


2) if the bird is euthanized, should an autopsy be done?


3) due to the holidays, if an autopsy is not possible this week...
A. should the bird be euthanized till next week
B. or is here a way to store the body till next week?


4) if the bird tests positive for Mareks...what should be done with the rest of the birds that were in contatc with her?
A. euthanize
B. wait and see if they develop symptoms
C. or vaccinate them


5) lastly, what are the pros and cons to vaccinating yout flock for Mareks?



Thank you in advance for your help. Tina G.

I can answer some of these questions.

If I had a bird that I suspected had Mareks, I would euthanize it. Given that it is Christmas Eve, you aren't likely going to find a vet to help you for a least a couple of days. I don't know if they can get what they need from a frozen bird but if I needed to preserve a bird, that's how I would do it. Necropsy is expensive so consider that as well.

A vet can advise you on how to deal with the rest of your flock. I believe vaccination now might help to protect the rest of your flock or at least minimize the progress of the disease but I'm not sure so check with a vet.

So far, I have not chosen to vaccinate for Mareks. I have a substantial free-ranging flock that I need/want to be naturally "tough" so I cull rather than vaccinate but that may not be everyone's choice and that might not be my choice if my entire flock were at risk.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: That hasn't been my experience. One of my most human-skittish birds was one of the best mothers. And I have had sweet (to humans) hens that were not at all motherly. And I have had ones who were human-sweet and good mothers as well. I don't think these characteristics are bound together.

To a large extent I think the skittishness versus "sweet tempered" has to do with the amount and kind of human interaction they receive as young birds. A skittish bird will train that flight instinct into her brood, though.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote: Virtually all flocks not hatched and raised in lab-quarantine conditions contain Mareks. There are strains that are fairly mild and others that are quite virulent. Read up on it and then make your decisions. The Merck Veterinary Manual (online) is the best starting place.

 

[Me & Jack]

Can the experienced breeders on here help outline what steps to take when someone suspects Mareks in a bird?
I'm wondering:
1) should the bird in question be euthanized based on the symptoms of Mareks ?
A. or should the bird be treated in hopes that she will recover?


2) if the bird is euthanized, should an autopsy be done?
3) due to the holidays, if an autopsy is not possible this week...
A. should the bird be euthanized till next week
B. or is here a way to store the body till next week?
4) if the bird tests positive for Mareks...what should be done with the rest of the birds that were in contatc with her?
A. euthanize
B. wait and see if they develop symptoms
C. or vaccinate them
5) lastly, what are the pros and cons to vaccinating yout flock for Mareks?
Thank you in advance for your help. Tina G.

If I had a bird that appeared to be suffering from Marek's symptoms I would most likely euthanize. But I would NOT euthanize the rest of my flock. Marek's is everywhere, and most backyard flocks have had exposure from wild birds, birds brought in, etc. It's ubiquitous, so to euthanize the whole flock seems pointless to me, especially since probably most will not develop symptoms. However, from this point on, if I were you, I would vaccinate every remaining bird ASAP to prevent the severity of symptoms in any other birds that might develop an active case. I would also vaccinate all chicks hatched on site within 24 hours of hatching and keep them isolated from the rest of the flock for at least 1-2 weeks, practicing strict biosecurity in the meantime so as to give the vaccines a chance to work.

Not all affected birds will die, but euthanizing might seem like the kindest thing to do if they appear to be suffering or are not improving after a few days. Could they still survive? Sure. They'll still shed the virus, too, but chances are they did that plenty before you realized they were sick, so the virus is already in your flock.

If you should decide, you could try placing the your deceased bird in the fridge if you think the state lab would be open on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Freezing might make a necropsy more difficult, but I would do it just in case the lab will accept a bird in another week.

Pros to vaccinating -- fewer deaths from Marek's symptoms and the severity of symptoms in birds will be minimized.
Cons to vaccinating -- you'll spend money on the vaccine, will need someone to help you hold birds while you do it, you'll have a lot of doses left over that will seem wasteful.

 

[littlecritters]

Thank you all, for your responses to my questions regarding Mareks. My husband and I have been deathly sick for the last several days and we are struggling with strep throat, ear infections, sinusitis etc. I can hardly get out of bed and my mind is a little muddled lately. I really appreciate your quick feedback to help me sort through my situation.

We have some chickens who are houseguests until spring, and every night i do a bed check to make sure they are alive and well. Last night, when I peeked at them... I noticed something amiss with one of the pullets. My heart sank, since this is one of chickens that had been lost in the shipping process back in October. It's taken quite awhile to get these birds to start thriving and I thought we were moving forward.

After reading page after page of Mareks information and viewing hundreds of pictures....I don't think this pullet fits the profile for Mareks. Im going to try treating her symptoms and hope for a recovery. When I am feeling better, I will give her a spa bath as recommend on www.HenCam.com. I've never done that before and hopefully it will help the pullet. If not, at least I will feel good knowing that I have tried to do something nice for her. 

After all the trials and tribulations we've had with chickens this year, my husband turned to look at me today (from behind his kleenex box)... and he looked so serious that I thought he was going to ask me to marry him again. Instead, he asked if I want to go back to school and become a poulty vet so I can be my own "doctor" for our flock. Ha!!! Glad he can make me laugh over these darned chickens. lol

Have a wonderful, happy and healthy holiday!
Best wishes,
Tina

Check out the Mareks article halfway down the page....this was kindly sent to me by our BYC Chicken Fairy Godmother.
---> [http://www.heavensentranch.com/poultryhealth.htm

 

[Adoravachick]

I believe that it is fine to vaccinate a bird of any age. Dr Peter Brown was expecting a big shipment of Mareks vaccine to arrive this last week. If you order from him, Doc should be able to gicpve you soemppme guidance. I've met him in person and he is very nice and helpful. Www.firststatevetsupply.com

I have help for the next couple of weeks, with my parents here.

My dad is loving the chickens and he has been a huge help. So, an extra set of hands for vaccinating would be ideal.

 

[Adoravachick]

Thank you all, for your responses to my questions regarding Mareks. My husband and I have been deathly sick for the last several days and we are struggling with strep throat, ear infections, sinusitis etc. I can hardly get out of bed and my mind is a little muddled lately. I really appreciate your quick feedback to help me sort through my situation.
We have some chickens who are houseguests until spring, and every night i do a bed check to make sure they are alive and well. Last night, when I peeked at them... I noticed something amiss with one of the pullets. My heart sank, since this is one of chickens that had been lost in the shipping process back in October. It's taken quite awhile to get these birds to start thriving and I thought we were moving forward.
After reading page after page of Mareks information and viewing hundreds of pictures....I don't think this pullet fits the profile for Mareks. Im going to try treating her symptoms and hope for a recovery. When I am feeling better, I will give her a spa bath as recommend on www.HenCam.com. I've never done that before and hopefully it will help the pullet. If not, at least I will feel good knowing that I have tried to do something nice for her.
After all the trials and tribulations we've had with chickens this year, my husband turned to look at me today (from behind his kleenex box)... and he looked so serious that I thought he was going to ask me to marry him again. Instead, he asked if I want to go back to school and become a poulty vet so I can be my own "doctor" for our flock. Ha!!! Glad he can make me laugh over these darned chickens. lol
Have a wonderful, happy and healthy holiday!
Best wishes,
Tina
Check out the Mareks article halfway down the page....this was kindly sent to me by our BYC Chicken Fairy Godmother.
---> [http://www.heavensentranch.com/poultryhealth.htm

Thank you for the information....everyone has given me alot to think about as well...my decision may be more along the lines of "cull or not to cull". I can't risk losing my whole flock, especially my breeders.
Tina, I am so sorry for all of the heartbreak you have had with your birds this year. Hopefully your pullet doesn't have Mareks and recovers quickly.

 

[LaPetiteFarmer]

Thank you all, for your responses to my questions regarding Mareks. My husband and I have been deathly sick for the last several days and we are struggling with strep throat, ear infections, sinusitis etc. I can hardly get out of bed and my mind is a little muddled lately. I really appreciate your quick feedback to help me sort through my situation.
We have some chickens who are houseguests until spring, and every night i do a bed check to make sure they are alive and well. Last night, when I peeked at them... I noticed something amiss with one of the pullets. My heart sank, since this is one of chickens that had been lost in the shipping process back in October. It's taken quite awhile to get these birds to start thriving and I thought we were moving forward.
After reading page after page of Mareks information and viewing hundreds of pictures....I don't think this pullet fits the profile for Mareks. Im going to try treating her symptoms and hope for a recovery. When I am feeling better, I will give her a spa bath as recommend on www.HenCam.com. I've never done that before and hopefully it will help the pullet. If not, at least I will feel good knowing that I have tried to do something nice for her.
After all the trials and tribulations we've had with chickens this year, my husband turned to look at me today (from behind his kleenex box)... and he looked so serious that I thought he was going to ask me to marry him again. Instead, he asked if I want to go back to school and become a poulty vet so I can be my own "doctor" for our flock. Ha!!! Glad he can make me laugh over these darned chickens. lol
Have a wonderful, happy and healthy holiday!
Best wishes,
Tina
Check out the Mareks article halfway down the page....this was kindly sent to me by our BYC Chicken Fairy Godmother.
---> [http://www.heavensentranch.com/poultryhealth.htm

Tina, I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through. I hope you and your husband get better very quickly, ear infections are so painful!!
I cross my fingers (and toes) the chickens don't have Marek, that would be just heart breaking, especially after all the efforts you guys devoted to them.
Keep us updated... and Merry Christmas

 

[peepblessed]

Can the experienced breeders on here help outline what steps to take when someone suspects Mareks in a bird?
I'm wondering:
1) should the bird in question be euthanized based on the symptoms of Mareks ?
A. or should the bird be treated in hopes that she will recover?


2) if the bird is euthanized, should an autopsy be done?
3) due to the holidays, if an autopsy is not possible this week...
A. should the bird be euthanized till next week
B. or is here a way to store the body till next week?
4) if the bird tests positive for Mareks...what should be done with the rest of the birds that were in contatc with her?
A. euthanize
B. wait and see if they develop symptoms
C. or vaccinate them
5) lastly, what are the pros and cons to vaccinating yout flock for Mareks?
Thank you in advance for your help. Tina G.

All good questions that we who have not dealt with this issue, want to know.

If I had a bird that appeared to be suffering from Marek's symptoms I would most likely euthanize. But I would NOT euthanize the rest of my flock. Marek's is everywhere, and most backyard flocks have had exposure from wild birds, birds brought in, etc. It's ubiquitous, so to euthanize the whole flock seems pointless to me, especially since probably most will not develop symptoms. However, from this point on, if I were you, I would vaccinate every remaining bird ASAP to prevent the severity of symptoms in any other birds that might develop an active case. I would also vaccinate all chicks hatched on site within 24 hours of hatching and keep them isolated from the rest of the flock for at least 1-2 weeks, practicing strict biosecurity in the meantime so as to give the vaccines a chance to work.

Not all affected birds will die, but euthanizing might seem like the kindest thing to do if they appear to be suffering or are not improving after a few days. Could they still survive? Sure. They'll still shed the virus, too, but chances are they did that plenty before you realized they were sick, so the virus is already in your flock.

If you should decide, you could try placing the your deceased bird in the fridge if you think the state lab would be open on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Freezing might make a necropsy more difficult, but I would do it just in case the lab will accept a bird in another week.

Pros to vaccinating -- fewer deaths from Marek's symptoms and the severity of symptoms in birds will be minimized.
Cons to vaccinating -- you'll spend money on the vaccine, will need someone to help you hold birds while you do it, you'll have a lot of doses left over that will seem wasteful.

What confuses me on the Marek's issue, is that I have been on this ranch for 20 years now and have had my LF free ranging. My silkies don't. We have lots of decorative ponds here that attract thousands of birds including those that migrate. None of my chickens have ever had any disease. Can someone explain that to me?

 

[ChicksNherps]

I have an urgent question. I need to overnight an entry form for the northeastern poultry congress show and I need to know, can I show Nori as a buff? Or should I stick to AOV?