Are Tractor Supply Chicks vaccinated for Mareks?

[valleychicks]

Does anyone know if the chicks purchased at Tractor Supply chick days are vaccinated for mareks? I have called 2 Tractor Supply stores in GA and no one at either store knew if they were vaccinated. I also asked Tractor Supply on facebook but got no reply.

 

[subhanalah]

Ask which hatchery they get their chicks from and then ask the hatchery.

 

[valleychicks]

I did ask the one in Thomson GA and they said "they didn't know. They just come in the mail". Was their answer so...

 

[subhanalah]

You'll need to speak to the person who orders for the store. That person is clearly only there for a paycheck.

 

[valleychicks]

OK...After contacting another person at Tractor Supply in Thomson GA she looked up the hatchery for me that the chicks will come from and it is Mt. Healthy Hatcheries. I then called them and found out that no they are not vaccinated. I also found out that the poor little chicks should have arrived today and didn't so I hope they get there soon so they can get some water. Is it be ok/safe to get chicks that are not vaccinated now if I am getting chicks that will be vaccinated in May?

 

[subhanalah]

I actually just read a thread about this very topic this morning. Yes, it is completely safe, however if the vaccinated chickens have been exposed to the disease (not the vaccine) then it is possible that they could infect your non-vaccinated chickens. However this is always a risk when adding ANY new birds to a flock. If you like I can Google that thread again and post it for you.

 

[valleychicks]

Yes please. Thank you for your help.

 

[subhanalah]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/39918/mareks-vaccine
There ya go

 

[valleychicks]

Got it! Thanks!

 

[subhanalah]

Any time!