Which is kinder? (Mareks)

[NWChicks]

Quote:
According to what I've read you can vaccinate older birds. The younger they are the better the chance that you've gotten them before exposure to the virus, which is why it's best to vaccinate at 1 day of age. The vaccine doesn't prevent them from getting the virus but does prevent the formation of the tumors that cause all the issues.

When you get your vaccine make sure you have a helper so you can work fast. I don't know how many birds you have but the vaccine, once mixed up is only good for a certain length of time. I had my kids catching the birds, I held and DH gave them their shots.

 

[Chloe]

i have my df here to help hold them I dont have many although I do hatch chicks so I suppose i should get a good suppply in! I really think it was mareks she had as she had started limping at first and her leg was paralysed, then her wing and then her neck twisted

 

[NWChicks]

Especially if she was two years old I would lean more toward the Marek's diagnosis too. If it was that it is now on your property and you should vaccinate all new baby chicks. It sure looks like an awful way to go! Poor babies.

 

[Chloe]

devastating! she was lovely too recently came 2nd in a show, its a real eye opener as to how severe this disease really is. I can only hope that vaccinating will prevent any more loss

Thanks for all your help guys x

 

[Spring Chook]

I'm so sorry for you. It seems to be such a cruel disease.
i have a Black Copper Maran with what I believe is Mareks right now. Its just awful to see her in such distess. She cant really move and is gasping for air. If she's still alive tomorrow I plan to cull her to end her suffering. She is about a year old. None of my other hens are showing symptoms. I dont believe any of them have been vaccinated. I also have several chicks that are in a separate pen with their mum. I think I will probably get some vaccine for them.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

For all you Silkie owners. There is one other option that many of us do not realize happens to these wonderful birds.

Silkies, not all, have a genetic problem were their skulls are thin or actually have a small hole in them. This is a somewhat sheltered fact of life for these guys.

If a silkies somehow damages its head, the brain will swell and they will exibit your paralysis and wry neck symptoms.

Usually it is just a matter of tiem before they pass, but some DO recover. People have fought this with pregnozone and won.

I have personally experienced this heart wrenching episode with a few of my favorite silkie roos. None recovered.

I love silkies and i have a place in my heart for them.