Vaccinate or Not

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

@Mixed flock enthusiast would you know if you've got a problem if all of your (bought) chicks had been vaccinated, but your broody raised ones had not? Would the latter absolutely get sick and die if you had MDV in your flock?

I would guess that it depends on whether you have a hot strain or not. If the chicks were from vaccinated or infected hens, then the chicks hatch with their own antibody. If you only have a mild strain of MDV, then the antibody could give the chicks enough protection for them to develop their own immunity once they are exposed to the virus. Of course, you might not have wild MDV at all in your flock, then your broody raised chicks would also be fine, even if the vaccine strain was transferred from your vaccinated hens. If your hens do transfer wild virus to your unvaccinated chicks, you might see stunted growth or coccidiosis in the chicks, or neurological signs at POL, unless their antibodies protect them well enough that they become immune.

 

[Shadrach]

I sell chickens, but all of mine are healthy as far as I know. I meet everyone at tractor supply and no one comes on our property to buy.

Also I tell everyone to quarantine for at least a month to make sure they're in okay health before they add them to their flock.

Does Tractor Supply sell chickens?

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

That makes a lot of sense! I imagine that was quite the loss.



Maybe!! That would be good if it was, right? We have tons of turkeys. Haven’t seen any lately but over the years they’re always hanging around the chicken coop and back yard and a few months ago we had a couple females hanging out for a while.

Yes, you likely have HVT in your property then, and it’s protective against the mild strains of MDV.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

Does Tractor Supply sell chickens?

Yes, that’s how my local friend got Marek’s disease into her own flock. She and I trade pet sitting since we both have Marek’s + flocks.

 

[FortCluck]

Does Tractor Supply sell chickens?

Not in the parking lot. I think tractor supply has vaccinated chicks, but I'm not sure. They buy in large quantities.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

A bit antisocial then.....

Only a bit

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, you likely have HVT in your property then, and it’s protective against the mild strains of MDV.

That’s good to know!! Thanks!!

 

[FortCluck]

Yes, that’s how my local friend got Marek’s disease into her own flock. She and I trade pet sitting since we both have Marek’s + flocks.

So you can definitely pinpoint it on tractor supply?

Are you sure you couldn't have got it from somewhere else?

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yes, that’s how my local friend got Marek’s disease into her own flock. She and I trade pet sitting since we both have Marek’s + flocks.

I didn’t realize they could have it! Guess I won’t be buying from them then.

Not that I was planning on it anyway since they’re not the best quality but I was considering getting some ISA Browns or something this year. Guess not now.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Only a bit