I really want to hatch out some of my own eggs, come next spring . However, I had a hen with Marek's disease, last winter, and therefore, have the disease on my property( they were the first chickens I had ever had. I purchased her and three other hens as adults). The chicks I got in March, now 6 months old, were all ordered being vaccinated with the Marek's vaccine. Is it just bad practice to even considering hatching out my own, knowing that they would be exposed to this? I know that if I were to allow one of my hens to hatch out the chicks, they would be instantly exposed to the disease, but would I be able to consider hatching out my own with an incubator, then vaccinate them myself with the Marek's vaccine at one day old? They wouldn't go outside till they were at least 4 weeks old, in their own brooder/pen area. After dealing with my hen with Marek's disease, my avian vet said she wouldn't get more chickens if she were me, unless I ordered them vaccinated against Marek's. I won't do it if it really is too big of a risk. Any advice?
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
Last edited: