Hi! I have read and searched and still haven't quite found the exact info I need and I was wondering if y'all could help out.. Situation: My flock: 2 year old hens & 2 roos (all from hatchery and all vaccinated against Marek's at hatchery; all were given medicated chick feed when raised; healthy birds) Now: Broody hen hatched 4 chicks four days ago INSIDE my family room, in fresh bedding (which is cleaned & old thrown in garbage can) in a fresh cardboard box. Questions: I want to vaccinate the new chicks for Marek's (to maintain integrity of current flock)...1) Can I still vaccinate the chicks now (before they will go out to the coop at age 6-7 weeks, in a pen within the deluxe pen, until they are old enough to not be on medicated chick feed and not be picked on by the older chickens)? 2) Does Butterball (Momma hen) need to have anything "done" with her before she goes back out? I am assuming she'll loose interest in the chicks after about 3 weeks (if not, she can stay inside until they can go out)? Thank you for your help! Kate in GA
I believe the chicks are too old to vaccinate for Marek's. The mama and her chicks can go out whenever you want them out. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps030
