To Vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

[gvenegas]

Hello,

We just purchased some baby chicks from Tractor Supply. We found out the chicks are not vaccinated. I’ve read different posts regarding vaccinations. What do you all recommend?How old should they be for vaccinations?

 

[cavemanrich]

If I was getting chicks from a hatchery, I PERSONALLY would have the added vaccine for Mareks applied. I know that many individuals and breeders choose not to use that vaccine. There are valid points to both sides.
If you do not live in an area where Newcastle disease is common, then I would skip that one. I also would prefer to use medicated feed to prevent coccidia, and after you run out of that feed, your chicks should have build up their own resistance to it.
Mareks disease is quite tricky. Once you have it on your grounds, it is very difficult to get totally rid of it. That is where you would need vaccinated chicks to survive in area. If your grounds are Marek free, then your un-vaccinated chicks should do well also.
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[RoyGeary]

Thank you for sharing your experience

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're already too old for Marek's or coccidiosis vaccines, those are done immediately after hatch.

 

[Jeibird84]

I live in the county near Knox, Tn. How can I find out if I have Newcastle disease in my area? I am also having a difficult time deciding wether or not to vaccinate...thank you guys for always having great answers & advice!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I live in the county near Knox, Tn. How can I find out if I have Newcastle disease in my area?

Newcastle's been a huge issue in So. California (and nearby parts of other states) I believe. Unless you're importing birds in from there or have someone nearby doing so (and then going to your house) you probably won't have issue with it.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ou...ease-information/avian/virulent-newcastle/vnd