Vaccination

[tyarec]

I have 34 days old chickens I have not got them vaccinated yet. So what kind of vaccines are helpful for them. Kindly also let me know the proper vaccinaes and usage

 

[Eggcessive]

I only vaccinate for Mareks disease when I order chicks from a hatchery. You can also buy the Mareks vaccine to give at home, but it takes 2 weeks or more for them to become immune to the virus. There are vaccines for other respiratory diseases, but I probably wouldn't consider them unless there is disease in your area.

 

[chicklover 1998]

I only vaccinate for Mareks disease when I order chicks from a hatchery. You can also buy the Mareks vaccine to give at home, but it takes 2 weeks or more for them to become immune to the virus. There are vaccines for other respiratory diseases, but I probably wouldn't consider them unless there is disease in your area.

X2

 

[tyarec]

Many thanks for your kind assistance. Let me know if Marek's vaccine is still helpful because they are 35 days ild now

 

[Eggcessive]

I would vaccinate them, because you may not always have those chickens. If they would go somewhere else were there is Mareks, they could then get sick. Also if you would inadvertently bring in a new chicken that is a carrier, they would be safe. It is relatively inexpensive (around $20) for 1000 doses, but there will be extra shipping and a cold pack container to add to charges. The vaccine must be used within an hour or so of opening it.

Certain vaccines will need repeating or boosters. Most people don't vaccinate for illnesses unless they live close to large poultry farms, or have neighbors with respiratory diseases and poor conditions. I really do think that Mareks vaccine is a good thing, well worth the $1 cost in hatchery chicks, but I have some chickens who were hatched here that were never vaccinated.

Here is some information about vaccinations and whether or not to do them:
http://www.backyardpoultrymag.com/how_to_vaccinate_poultry_chicks_for_mareks_disease/
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps030
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/03/answers-from-chicken-vet-on.html