To those who did NOT or will not vaccinate

[KatyTheChickenLady]

The hatchery near me told me that if the parent stock is vaccinated they pass the immunities on to the chicks. True or not i am not sure but makes sense.
Also my friend orders from long distance hatcheries and lost half the batch she had vaccinated, never lost one before that.
Alsolol!, I feed medicated starter.

 

[JessaLynn]

I never vaccinated my chicks before but after experiencing a Mereck's outbreak I have sworn to do it from now on.It's a horrible death for them and if I can prevent a disease for my hens like I do my children then thank God for it!
It's a personal desision and I believe you should do your research first.

 

[gritsar]

I chose not to vaccinate. I discussed the pros and cons with my local cooperative extension agent and decided against it. I intend to maintain a closed flock.
The coccidiosis vaccine wasn't available from Ideal at the time I ordered my chicks - or maybe it was and I wasn't made aware of it. No biggie. I fed medicated starter.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Ok... let me jump in and disagree with the sentiment so far against vaccination:

Quote:
The immunities that are passed onto the chicks are passive... i.e. the chick has not developed active immunity to the diseases and their immunity will only last for a short/limited time (depending upon the disease it could be only a few weeks).

It a little like (well yes its different but its just an analogy): a baby will receive passive immunity from a mother through the milk when it breastfeeds. If it stops breast feeding and goes on formula, the passive immunity dwindles.


Quote:
The reason your friends chicks died was very, very likely just a coincidence. There are no studies I am aware of that show vaccinated chicks have a higher death rate than unvaccinated chicks.

Also, Medicated Feed does absolutely nothing to prevent any disease except Coccidiosis which is caused by a protozoan in the soil. It will not limit, curb, or stop Mareks, Newcastle, fowl pox or any other disease that attacks chickens.


Quote:
I believe that the strongest birds ARE those that have been vaccinated. Vaccination pushes the birds immune system to develop and become stronger.
Quote:
I would agree: vaccinating a backyard flock is not needed.... as long as the chicks never go outside, are never exposed to wild birds, never pick in the ground, and you change your shoes/clothes each time you enter their coop. Otherwise they have a chance (a very good chance with Mareks) of coming into contact with Mareks, Newcastles, etc. Should we practice good bio security? Definently ... along with vaccinations.

On a side note, I work for the research branch of the USDA (ARS). Our current bio-security with Swine (susceptible to a range of disease) involves both physical security (housed in a buildings in a fenced area. No one (workers or visitors) are allowed in before they change clothes/shoes AND take a shower. Even with the extreme bio-security we practice ALL of the swine still receive vaccinations.

I don't understand why a Vet would say because the flock is small there is no need to vaccinate. I only have one dog. I still got it vaccinated for distemper, rabies, and other diseases. Would you not vaccinate your dog because you don't have a large operation? Why take the chance of it contracting something and suffering a horrible death?

Vaccination is relatively cheap and helps to protect your chicks.. why not?
For those wondering, I practice what I "Preach." I had my chicks vaccinated for both Mareks and Coccidiosis at the hatchery. This last friday I vaccinated (the chicks were 4 weeks old) all the chicks for Newcastles and Bronchitis (and none of the 83 chicks have had a negative reaction to the vaccine). I already have the vaccine to vaccinate the chicks at around 8 weeks for Fowl Pox.

You may get 'lucky' and never have a chicken get sick. Just like your children may never get Polio, Measles or other diseases if they weren't vaccinated... but why take the chance when a vaccination costs .10 to .15 cents each?

Here are some links for those interested:
Pictures Diseased Chickens:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0756e/T0756E08.htm

Mareks:

http://www.organic-vet.reading.ac.uk/Poultryweb/disease/marek/marek1.htm
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/mareks-disease.html
http://www.wattpoultry.com/PoultryInternational/Article.aspx?id=24900

Coccidiosis:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/coccidiosis.html
http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/PDFpubs/2259.pdf
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex4616
http://poultryone.com/articles/coccidiosis.html
http://www.wattpoultry.com/PoultryUSA/Article.aspx?id=27394
http://www.netvaxforpoultry.com/related_topics/coccidiosis.html
http://www.engormix.com/coccidiosis_in_poultry_e_articles_471_AVG.htm

FOWL POX:
http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/fowl-pox.html

Several Fowl Diseases
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PS044

 

[verlaj]

Do you see your chicks get droopy several days after the coccidiosis vaccine, as described in the publication from the Maine ag extension?

 

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:
Mine were vaccinated for Coccidiosis and didn't seem to have any abnormal behaviors or actions.

 

[verlaj]

It's the second one in the links you posted - maybe not Maine ag extension, but Maine.edu.

 

[Shared Acres]

I asked at the feedstore about vaccinating and the old guy laughed and told me you don't need to vaccinate.

So, mine haven't been vaccinated.

 

[Bullwinkle]

Quote:
As soon as I posted... I realized I already had the link. I think folks will find (on almost any topic it seems) that there are different view points in 'studies.' Some appear to show evidence for,and some against. I think it is important to read a variety of studies on subjects such as vaccinations to get a more well rounded viewpoint.

 

[verlaj]

I mean second link you posted under "coccidiosis." It is Maine ag extension.

Also, thanks for your thoughts. I have been very confused by this question - so many recommendations to NOT vaccinate. I couldn't understand what the downside would be.

I have had birds get sick and die. Always undiagnosed. I have an order placed with Ideal and could not understand why it was unnecessary to vaccinate chicks for a backyard flock.