Vaccinating Baby Chicks

[Rammy]

I was wondering the best way to make sure my chickens are vaccinated against Coccidia. I know they dont have Meriks or however you spell it as they are feed store chicks and I know they arent treated for anything. I did get them the medicated chick feed. I was always under the impression that it would protect them from coccidia but now Im not so sure. Where do you get the vaccines and what should I, would you, vaccinate them for? They are about three days old and still have the tips on thier beaks from breaking out. Thanks in advance.

Rammy

 

[lolita117]

I think they can only be vaccinated when are a couple of days old. When you order from a hatchery, you have the option of vaccinating but it says days old chicks only. Or something to take effect. It also says that its best to vaccinate them when they are 1-3 days old because that is the best time to provide the most effective immunity.

 

[steveandval]

Also when you have them vaccinated you do not have to feed them medicated feed correct? We pick up our babies tomorrow, we are getting 15 of them.. pretty excited

 

[Rammy]

I know there are websites and hatcheries you can buy vaccines from. Some you can put right in the water, others are injectable<sp>. I just am not sure if the medicated feed protects them later in life against coccidia? Maybe some internet research is in order.


Rammy

 

[Rammy]

Quote:
Thats great!! I tell you though, you will end up getting more. I just bough three more buffs, three more barred rocks, and two WLH!!

Rammy

 

[wordgirl]

Quote:
I am pretty sure that if you have your chicks vaccinated for Coccidia you are NOT supposed to feed them medicated feed, because it neutralizes the effects of the vaccine. Not positive, but I think that's what I read.

And -

 

[Rammy]

I know they are not vaccinated against anything, hence my feeding them the medicated. I was told it would protect them against getting it. Just not sure if thats a long term effect or not. I'll just have to do more research.


Rammy

 

[wordgirl]

I think coccidiosis may be a mostly chick illness - when raised on well-taken-care-of bedding (as opposed to wire) chicks develop (not sure if it's perfect) immunity against it as they mature by being exposed to small levels of the bacteria in the bedding. Medicated feed helps keep them from getting it (although it is not a guarantee) but I think actually, when you are careful with keeping their brooder clean, you don't even really need it (I have always used it, however - just to be safe

).

I will go grab my chicken book and make sure I am telling you the right thing.

Edited to add: Okay, just looked at my book. I'm not sure I was totally right. Here - go to this link, click on "Look inside" then search either for pages 159-160 or "coccidiosis" and read those pages 159-160. It might help you understand cocci better.

http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Guide...4695/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300815663&sr=8-1
This may also help - you might want to scroll down to the bottom of the article to the section "Control" img/smilies/smile.png" alt="smile" />">http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/200800.htm

 

[Rammy]

Thanks. Ive had chickens for a few years, but didnt realize, except for the ones I bought from a hatchery and had them vaccinated, that the ones I got from the feed store were not. Just want to make sure Im taking care of them right.


Rammy