Vaccinating for mareks at home

[nursepaige2010]

I let two of my broody silkies hatch some chicks, all of which have been born in the last week. It just occurred to me that I might need to vaccinate for mareks. I have had suspected mareks in the flock with 2 deaths about 6 months ago, so all of my other hens are probably carriers. It also sounds like it stays in the dirt forever too. At this point, the chicks are about a weekish old. It looks like it’ll cost $50 to have the vaccine shipped and it won’t be here until next week. The chicks have been in an enclosed chicken wire brooder box with the mama hens, which is inside the larger coop with the whole flock. At this point have they likely already been exposed to it, from mom and the other girls? Or should I still purchase the vaccine and give it next week when it arrives? They will be two weeks old at that point. Is there anything I can do at this point to try to help mitigate the development of severe disease? I wish I had thought of this sooner, I feel like I just signed their poor little death warrants.

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

I think that they'll be fine. All of my chicks have been okay.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

At this point have they likely already been exposed to it, from mom and the other girls? Or should I still purchase the vaccine and give it next week when it arrives?

Hello, congrats on your new babies and welcome to BYC!

Current information says they are already exposed, need to be vaccinated at hatch, and need to be quarantined for about 2 weeks before exposure.. in order for the vaccine to be effective. See following link for more information..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[SilverBirds]

They are already too old to be vaccinated. The vaccination must be given in the first 24 hours after hatching.