Vaccinate or Not? Pros/Cons

[caracara13]

I am wondering if I should get my chickens vaccinated. I have 3 chickens (2 hens, 1 rooster). I am trying to decide if it is worth getting them vaccinated or not. I err on the side of not doing it, just because of "organic", etc.

 

[Nambroth]

How old are the birds and what are you considering vaccinating them for?
Where do you live, and do you have any chickens? Do neighbors have chickens?
Do you intend on keeping a closed flock?
Are they going to be pets or livestock? Are you going to breed them?

These are all important factors.

 

[caracara13]

They are about a year and a half. I have not considered breeding them at this point. I guess they can be considered pets (they have names?) but I am using them for eggs. I live in Northwestern PA (about an hour and half north of Pittsburgh). No neighbors have chickens. They mostly stay in their coop and run, however they do have access to roam around. I am unsure what I would vaccinate for as I am a new chicken owner

 

[Nambroth]

Depending on what you might want to vaccinate for, the window of opportunity may have already closed for you. Many vaccines are administered/are effective only in very young chicks. I am not knowledgeable in all current vaccines available for small-time poultry owners, though.

 

[caracara13]

Thank you very much!

 

[Nambroth]

It still might be worth your time to look up some of the most common communicable diseases, so that you know what to look out for and the best ways to prevent them.

 

[realsis]

i heard a wonderful radio program from the chicken whisperer just on this subject that changed my mind and dispelled some awful myths on vaccination. the program is archived and i URGE you to listen to it! after hearing the program and PERSONALLY speaking with the chicken doctor after the program I've decided to vaccinate my flock for Mareks. my oldest is 6 months old. doctor said they can still be vaccinated. and it WILL work even though they are older. there is ALot of misinformation going around about this. the mareks vaccine IS NOT the Marked virus itself. please listen to this informative program before deciding. also the doctor will speak or answer ALL your questions if you get the vaccine through First State Vet. I'm sure even if you didn't he'd answer your questions about it.i was quite surprised at some UN truths going around about it.ultimately i decided to vaccinate after speaking with the chicken doctor. I'm not here to argue with anyone but i ask to get the real FACTS before deciding. i will be showing so this is also a motivation on my decisions. the vaccine I've chosen is mareks. it is a airborne disease and very very common. even in backyard flocks. as some of you have unfortunately experienced. so get the facts and weigh your decisions on that. it is your choice.best of luck to you. please listen to the archive of the program and see what you think.

 

[realsis]

i heard a wonderful radio program from the chicken whisperer just on this subject that changed my mind and dispelled some awful myths on vaccination. the program is archived and i URGE you to listen to it! after hearing the program and PERSONALLY speaking with the chicken doctor after the program I've decided to vaccinate my flock for Mareks. my oldest is 6 months old. doctor said they can still be vaccinated. and it WILL work even though they are older. there is ALot of misinformation going around about this. the mareks vaccine IS NOT the Marked virus itself. please listen to this informative program before deciding. also the doctor will speak or answer ALL your questions if you get the vaccine through First State Vet. I'm sure even if you didn't he'd answer your questions about it.i was quite surprised at some UN truths going around about it.ultimately i decided to vaccinate after speaking with the chicken doctor. I'm not here to argue with anyone but i ask to get the real FACTS before deciding. i will be showing so this is also a motivation on my decisions. the vaccine I've chosen is mareks. it is a airborne disease and very very common. even in backyard flocks. as some of you have unfortunately experienced. so get the facts and weigh your decisions on that. it is your choice.best of luck to you. please listen to the archive of the program and see what you think.

 

[realsis]

oops so sorry for double post! darn phone! again sorry

 

[Nambroth]

All of my veterinary references point that chicks need to be vaccinated for Marek's within 36 hours of life-- I am not at all trying to argue with you because I do think that we are still learning about this virus, but do you have any citations that have shown any of the Marek's vaccines to work after the chick is older?