Whether to get more chickens as companions to a hen dying of Marek’s

[NetherLeeFarm]

I could be wrong but I don't believe the vaccine guarantees there will be no symptoms. It just drastically reduces the chance of symptoms such as tumors.

Yes, I agree! Effectiveness depends on several factors but primarily 1) the correct dose at the correct time, 2) vaccinating against the correct strain of virus, and 3) quarantine until maximum effectiveness.

Vaccines on any species can be tricky. There are several Herpes strains that cause the tumors and lesions associated with Marek's. And chickens can be carriers of more than one strain. But doing all of the above IS highly effective at keeping the virus from attacking tissues and progressing into disease. Thankfully, those with healthy backyard flocks after having Marek's can attest to it.

Hope this helps clarify things!

 

[Chasiubao]

You'll need to give newly vaccinated chicks several weeks in quarantine to build up resistance before adding them to the coop, but this is easy to do in a sterilized brooder that's separated from the coop.

How exactly does this work? Keep vaccinated chicks in a sterilized and dander-free area until their feathers fill out?

I understand that even if vaccinated and the coop is cleaned/sterilized, there’s a risk new birds could contract a strain of Marek’s.

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry for your birds! I also think that adding new birds now is a bad idea, and having both sick hens euthanized at the same time is best.
Consider ducks! they don't get Marek's disease and are also really interesting birds to have. Little ducks, big ducks, or any sizes in between...
Mary

 

[sourland]

I agree with those who feel that adding more birds to your flock is not a good idea. As @Eggcessive suggested I would try adding a mirror while both birds are still alive.

 

[Chasiubao]

appreciate everyone’s responses! I think putting them down at the same time and delaying getting new birds is the way to go.

I agree sanitizing what I can and waiting to get new vaccinated/immune birds is key. But Im not sure the 7yr period and sanitizing top soil across my yard is reasonable given that wild birds may have Marek’s. There’s no guarantee all that time and work will be effective on such a common and contagious disease.

 

[NetherLeeFarm]

How exactly does this work? Keep vaccinated chicks in a sterilized and dander-free area until their feathers fill out?

I understand that even if vaccinated and the coop is cleaned/sterilized, there’s a risk new birds could contract a strain of Marek’s.

We have a brooder in a mudroom area under our back deck that we sanitize before adding new chicks. It's super easy to clean and maintain, and they're happy and protected in it until I move them to the main coop, usually not until they're off heat around 5 weeks old.

 

[NetherLeeFarm]

appreciate everyone’s responses! I think putting them down at the same time and delaying getting new birds is the way to go.

I agree sanitizing what I can and waiting to get new vaccinated/immune birds is key. But Im not sure the 7yr period and sanitizing top soil across my yard is reasonable given that wild birds may have Marek’s. There’s no guarantee all that time and work will be effective on such a common and contagious disease.

I use to work for the state extension system, and they are fantastic here. So is our state vet, but there's not a lot of info out there. Marek's hasn't been highly studied, especially in backyard flocks. It's basically been eridicated from factory farms through advanced steralizion efforts, and companies that do the research don't worry about homesteaders or backyard flocks.

Studies do show that the Marek virus prefers dry, dark, cool places. An old study supposedly confirmed a live virus in a closed up coop/barn 7 years after the structure was inhabited. Although that could be possible, more recent studies show that is likely very rare, and definitely that Marek's can't live long at all when exposed to UV light, humidity, heat, etc.

I have this in my notes...
Marek's virus can remain infectious in zero humidity (lab controlled) conditions for at least 3 weeks at 99.5°F, for 8 (but not 13) months at room temperature 72–77°F, and for at least 3 years at 39°F. However, with relative humidity at 80%, infectious virus could not be recovered after 1-2 weeks at 99.5°F. [1972, Source] In poultry houses, this study found that infectious virus in poultry dust/dander lasted for 4 weeks but not more than 6 weeks at room temp. [Source]

If I remember correctly, we took a 4-6 month break in between flocks, completely cleaned out and sterilized the coop, run, and equipment the best we could. Only have added vaccinated hens after that. The vet told me to not worry about the pasture, yard, etc. She said that was a mute point after that many months. So far, she's been right.

I hope this encourages you! Best wishes to you as you press forward.

 

[Bluebellmel]

For me my chickens are my babies so i would definitely give her companions to make this moments more enjoyable as she is nearing the end if you are super attached your hen i would make sure to make these last moments special.

So sad to hear. I have only two chickens and have similar concerns. Introducing new hens is very challenging. On the other hand, they’ve been a source of great joy!

 

[Happy Home Farm]

We started with 4 pullets, but 2 died (one of cocci but we later discovered had Marek’s, the 2nd has paralysis from Marek’s so we put her down).

Of the other 2 we have, one has a limp and generally hasn’t matured very fast. The other has a large tumor on her chest confirmed to be a lymphoma (probably related to Marek’s). They are acting normal for now, but the vet said when their health starts to take a downturn to bring them in to say goodbye. At this point it’s hard to say how much time either hen has, and it feels strange to put them down at the same time if one could live a few months longer.

We are concerned for when one dies, if the other will be lonely. If we should add more Marek-vaccinated hens to our flock, or if that’s a death sentence to our new flock members. Or adds more potential danger to our already compromised hen.

Has anyone else been in this situation? What did you do?

Hi, Yes I have been in this situation it's heartbreaking as ours are much loved pets. After a lot of searching and advice we purchased fully vaccinated pullets 5 years ago. Followed the normal quarantine process and they are still.with us to this day happy and healthy. I also added 6 week olds to the flock 2 years ago fully vaccinated and they are also going well. The advice I was given is that the vaccine takes 2 to 4 weeks to be fully effective so best to only acquire only chick's over 4 weeks. I hope this helps. It has worked and we have the most beautiful girls aa a result.