What chickens are least prone to sickness???

[chickengirls16]

Hello! We got a bunch of new chickens this year, but sadly lost over 10 of them to Marek's and coccidiosis(?). In your experience, what breeds are least prone to sicknesses?

 

[FarmerGirl101]

In general, I would avoid breeds with vaulted skulls such as polishes and some silkies. Silkies are also less hardy than others. If you want to avoid reproductive issues then I would stay away from production breeds with higher egg laying rates. I will say that for me, I've had one case of reproductive issues in my production breeds (leghorns mainly for me) so that is one I'm less likely to be concerned about.

Here is a thread that lists a few articles about Marek resistant breeds:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mareks-resistant-chickens-experience.1484481/

Here is another thread that has more personal inputs on this matter.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/which-breed-s-have-fewest-medical-problems.1577647/

 

[Amer]

Presentation is more ideal with those diseases. Buying Marek's vaccinated chicks can prevent Marek's and using amprolium can either prevent or cure coccidiosis.

 

[nuthatched]

Most disease are preventable and treatable, did you get a necropsy done to confirm what they died of? I see you have (?).

 

[chickengirls16]

Most disease are preventable and treatable, did you get a necropsy done to confirm what they died of? I see you have (?).

thanks! We do not have a local vet that will take chickens, so we don't do necropsies

 

[nuthatched]

thanks! We do not have a local vet that will take chickens, so we don't do necropsies

A state vet can do it, or the closest Agricultural college. There's a list around here that has them. One moment , let me find it.

https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html