what if I get unvaccinated chicks???

[yomama]

hi there,
So I just found out that the feed store I was going to get my chicks from do not order vaccinated chicks. I could have a special order done and have them vaccinated, but I would need to order at least 25. I only want to get 3 or 4. Is it bad if they are not vaccinated? I have never raised chicks before. I have no problem ordering them from a hatchery, if I need to get them vaccinated. What are the pros and cons? Also, if they are not vaccinated, do I need to worry about them passing anything to the adult hens they will be joining down the road?

Thanks!

 

[crooked stripe]

I have bought them both ways and never had a problem. I provide good clean healthy living space for my birds and have never had a disease or pest problem. I am sure there are others that have run into trouble but I sure don't read much here about that. Just remember, the word of the day is clean.

 

[gryeyes]

"My" feed store chicks were not vaccinated, either. Dunno if that helps or not.... but mine are 19-20 wks old, fat and sassy now!

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Don't sweat it. I always get my hatchery peeps vaccinated, but when I hatch my own...usually not. Sometimes so, but usually not.

I just kinda remember who is and who isn't, so if the ones that aren't should drop dead, then I'll know.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

My silkie (who is EVERYTHING to me) died yesterday from Marek's disease, which hatcheries will vaccinate for. If she had the shot she would have still been alive. Also if fone in your flock hapens to get Marek's it can wipe out most or all of your flock.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Ive never had a problem with mareks, so I see no reason to vaccinate.

 

[gckiddhouse]

Here is a nice article on Marek's if you are interested. Personally, I prefer not to vaccinate.

http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page9.htm

 

[prov31gal]

i have never had birds vaccinated, never had a problem,i dont ever plan to do it. its really not too big of a deal. i hear that there are some isolated areas of breakouts of certain diseases, but its not like its an epidemic, i wouldnt bother unless you live in an area with known outbreak problems, you probably dont, so dont sweat it. thats my 2 cents.

 

[gritsar]

My birds aren't vaccinated. No problems. I checked with my local agricultural extension office agent and marek's is not a huge problem around here.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

No vaccines allowe around here, be it human or animal.
We prefer a healthy start in life, beginning with the health of the parents, and also including real and natural food. No commercial, fortified food allowed.
We utilize natural probiotics and fermented (unheated, truly natural) cod liver oil for maintaining health, and that goes for all our livestock and pets.
Everyone maintains excellent health as a result.