Saraschickens
Chirping
- Dec 8, 2023
- 154
- 79
- 91
Hi! I have chicks hatching on May 21st. I want to buy some chicks from a breeder, "Backyard Chickies" in San Diego.
I've bought chicks from her 2 years ago (and she vaccinates for Mareks before selling). I already had chickens, and I was hatching chicks around that time too (not vaccinated). As well as getting more chicks last year (not vaccinated). And now hatching more chicks this year, from the chickens that were vaccinated, and not. And those chicks are not vaccinated. So I have about a half and half of vaccinated and not vaccinated.
So, like I said, I have chicks hatching on the 21st. And the lady has chicks I want also hatching on the 21st, but she vaccinates them right when they're born. So I don't have a choice with hers.
My question is, is it too dangerous to buy her chicks and put them with mine?
I've read about the vaccine being "leaky", and I don't want to chance anything.
Especially since mine are offspring from previously vaccinated chickens.
I've never experienced Mareks in my 17 years of chickens, or in my life for that matter. I had never even heard of it until finding out my chicks were vaccinated 2 years ago. I've read that it's more of a problem only if the birds ever get exposed to Mareks. So I'm not sure if there's any Mareks around here, but haven't seen or heard of any. But like I said, "leaky" has me concerned too.
Any insight on this matter would be so helpful and appreciated! Thank you!
I've bought chicks from her 2 years ago (and she vaccinates for Mareks before selling). I already had chickens, and I was hatching chicks around that time too (not vaccinated). As well as getting more chicks last year (not vaccinated). And now hatching more chicks this year, from the chickens that were vaccinated, and not. And those chicks are not vaccinated. So I have about a half and half of vaccinated and not vaccinated.
So, like I said, I have chicks hatching on the 21st. And the lady has chicks I want also hatching on the 21st, but she vaccinates them right when they're born. So I don't have a choice with hers.
My question is, is it too dangerous to buy her chicks and put them with mine?
I've read about the vaccine being "leaky", and I don't want to chance anything.
Especially since mine are offspring from previously vaccinated chickens.
I've never experienced Mareks in my 17 years of chickens, or in my life for that matter. I had never even heard of it until finding out my chicks were vaccinated 2 years ago. I've read that it's more of a problem only if the birds ever get exposed to Mareks. So I'm not sure if there's any Mareks around here, but haven't seen or heard of any. But like I said, "leaky" has me concerned too.
Any insight on this matter would be so helpful and appreciated! Thank you!