Talk Me In/Out

[DellaMyDarling]

We are fairly positive our flock has both Mareks and MG. As discussed over the past year in my various threads.
Isn't that lovely?
Seeing as how "the worst case scenarios" already exist here, I am considering skipping the chick order this year and just getting some started birds off marketplace/Craigslist.

We have many projects happening right now that should take a higher priority than trying to divy up funds and time for a brooder, supplies, etc. The cardboard box with a heat pad gave me endless sick chicks last year, I won't do that method again.
If and when I get to it, a brooder will be tied up with meat birds first. Tedious, consuming, and baby chicks frustrate me.
I do still need a few more ladies however, as I am expecting some natural and predatory losses in the coming year.

What's the harm in started/off heat age birds from a backyard breeder?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The risks are bringing in even more diseases in your flock. Have you had these diseases confirmed by a necropsy of a deceased bird?

Many flocks carry Mareks. There are different strains, some worse than others.

There are many sources of respiratory problems in chickens. Many stem from not enough ventilation or from wet conditions. From my reading MG causes stunted unthrifty birds that don't do well long term. Birds should be culled.

The last thing to consider is if you really do have these things in your flock than any new birds brought in will probably become sick as they haven't built up immunity. The stress of adjusting to a new home at an older age can be too much for some.

 

[Pyxis]

Did you get testing done to confirm Marek's and MG? I'd be positive before adding new birds without quarantining, because it would suck to introduce a disease you didn't actually have. Plus, with there being a variety of difference respiratory diseases, even if you do have one, you could end up adding another.

If you do add birds from other sources, I would say just make sure to quarantine first, so that if you do see signs of illness you can cull them before it gets to your flock. But quarantining does mean coming up with an area for the new birds away from your existing flock.

Also, if you do have Marek's, a possible bonus to going the chick route would be the ability to get them vaccinated. This wouldn't prevent them from becoming carriers after they're introduced to your flock, if your flock does have it, but it WOULD give them some protection from symptoms and possibly prevent losses to the disease.