Vaccination

[MaureenHall]

I was just wondering about vaccinations for chickens hatched by us back-garden-farmers. I know that my ex-batts and the POL's that I've got have all been vaccinated, probably as day old chicks, but what do we do at home? Do we ignore it and hope nothing happens or do we get something from the vet? I'm just curious at the moment and I think I'd like to know please

[lynda66]

*adds up how much 2 cats cost last time and gets in panic about 10 eggs hatching*

[Flummery]

Hen vaccine is aimed at the big industry Maureen. It comes in packs of 4,000! Some chicken breeders don't believe in vaccination - they keep their strain disease-free by culling any that show signs (for example, of Marek's disease) in the belief that un-vaccinated stock can build up immunity. Those of us after pets don't want to go down the culling route so buying in vaccinated stock is best for us.
Chicks are usually done at a day old.

[shirlthegirl43]

We never used to vaccinate ours - mind you since the broodies were bantams I wouldn't ever have tried to catch the chicks!

[Noodle]

I've not heard of people doing this for their own pet hens. Mine aren't done (other than the 2 ex-barn hens I got at the weekend!)

[lynda66]

*phew is much relieved lol*

[MaureenHall]

That's fine then Thank you all for that. I know how day old chicks get their vaccination - (I think) - it's done as a mist sprayed over them, protects against Newcastle disease, Marek's disease and other stuff

[lynda66]

*decides not to read up on those diseases yet cos i'll only worry*

[MaureenHall]

Good idea Lynda, shut your eyes like me and it's not there Seriously though, if any did get ill, then it'd be a trip to the vets anyway wouldn't it

[lynda66]

well yeah, but like the dog and cats, i don't worry about vets till it happens ..... and i guess as theres not any chickens round here, fingers crossed unless they can get something from wild birds, theres not much that can happen ....... decides not to worry about wild birds for now either

[Snadger]

Good question Maureen......I've wondered that as well!?? All mine are vaccinated (cos they were destined for the cage!)

I was fancying hatching a few eggs myself in spring (not by sitting on them myself I hasten to add!)

Might be worth having a word with a tame vet as if it's only coppers to do it could be worth it?

Must admit, judging from past experience, as soon as I set foot in the vets with any animal I can kiss goodbye to 30 squid instantly as that's where the meter starts running!

[lynda66]

they usually charge £30 squid for letting you in the door don't they ..... talking of vets, i guess i'd better think about cleo going soon, probably best not to have 20 kittens running round lol

[frias]

Ooohhh I love kittens.

[lynda66]

oh god don't encourage me lol

[Hilary B]

There is no shortage of kittens looking for good homes. However appealing it may be tolet Mrs Tabby have a family, it really is more responsible to make sure it never happens. Sometimes the 'responsible' option can be very depressing.....