I think most of the big hatcheries will vaccinate, you just need to select it when you order. I think that the actual genetic line may be more important in some cases than the breed itself. I know some have said that they had brahma's that did better, I had terrible losses in my brahma's. Egyptian Fayoumi's are known for being more resistant to the virus, but they are not as easy to keep as other breeds, particularly if you have limited space. Mine have done very well. But they do need more space than a less active, heavier bird. They are escape artists, fly better, and dig a lot, don't much like being confined, and are noisier. They are also more flighty and spazzie. I'm hoping to get some crosses with my other breeds next year, to see if I can pass down the resistance and maybe lower the flightiness of them some. Time will tell. I've heard buff orpingtons may do less well with Marek's, but I don't have personal experience with them. My barred rocks have also done pretty well, as well as most of my EE's. I also have blue rocks (Andalusian/barred rock crosses) that have done well, and so far their offspring, which are all mixes in my flock with EE's so far, are doing well. If you have Marek's then the particular strain can make a difference as well. It may take some time and experimenting to see what birds do best in your flock. I started keeping a log/diary so I can keep track and remember. As time goes by they all kind of start to blur together, and it's hard to remember Marek's vs reproductive vs other causes. I try very hard not to hatch from birds that have either had symptoms, or have previously hatched chicks from them that have shown symptoms.
