Young Roo.

[lydiagirl99]

I suppose he could be. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and repost unto the gender page.
@Pyxis My question about the Mareks is, does it just affect some birds more than others ? The other day I got two beautiful silkies, a male and female. About a year or so old. Both died within about two weeks for unknown reasons. Just found them laying dead outside. Same with one of my 3 month of silkie babies. Do you think they all succumbed to the Mareks? Are silkies possibly more prone, or just a coincidence ? I don't want to get any more silkies if they have been shown to be more prone or something but I love the breed so much. What are your thoughts?

 

[Pyxis]

I suppose he could be. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and repost unto the gender page.
@Pyxis
 My question about the Mareks is, does it just affect some birds more than others ? The other day I got two beautiful silkies, a male and female. About a year or so old. Both died within about two weeks for unknown reasons. Just found them laying dead outside. Same with one of my 3 month of silkie babies. Do you think they all succumbed to the Mareks? Are silkies possibly more prone, or just a coincidence ? I don't want to get any more silkies if they have been shown to be more prone or something but I love the breed so much. What are your thoughts?

Some can be more susceptible, yes. In fact there are people who actually breed for immunity to the disease - usually people who have it in their flock. The goal is to create birds that are naturally resistant to the disease, and it works.

If you really want silkies my advice would be to hatch some yourself, vaccinate them for Marek's when they hatch (the vaccine can be purchased) and then from there breed for resistance or continue to vaccinate all birds.

Another option is to order some from hatchery and just have them vaccinate so you don't have to fool around with ordering the vaccine and doing it yourself, but they won't be as nice quality as you could get from a breeder.

As a side note, the vaccine does NOT keep them from getting the disease, it just (usually) protects them from the symptoms, so that's something to be aware of as you go forward.

 

[lydiagirl99]

I have looked up a good amount about the disease and vaccine. I just couldn't believe how many birds I actually lost from it. When I start having babies this spring, I will definitely have the vaccine to administer to my new babies now that I know this disease is in my flock.
Also, I have a flock of 10 pheasants. Should I vaccinate their babies as well this spring ? So far, no loss from Mareks on their side. I heard they could get it, but I didn't get much information on that.

 

[lydiagirl99]

And thank you everyone so put for your help and advice.