Beware: Tractor Supply Co. chicks are NOT vaccinated--never

[albngore]

Never buy un-vaccinated chicks from anywhere. Several diseases are endemic to almost all poultry flocks whether you have problems with this or not. Marek's disease in particular is devastating. Salmonella is also pervasive.

Chickens can be carriers without developing physical signs. Young chicks are absolutely susceptible. Vaccination will not necessarily prevent introduced chicks from getting a disease--but, if they do contract one they might survive. Vaccination builds immunity, but is not 100% defensive. Same as for humans.

Marek's is horrible to experience, often with 100% morbidity. And it is almost impossible for the backyard poultry producer to eradicate it. Vaccinating chicks at a day old is our only hope to avoid this disease. Marek's is endemic in this country--even in commercial flocks. It ain't a pretty thing to endure.

 

[WannabeFarmer5]

None of my chickens are vaccinated I have 5 years to 1 week what should I do?

 

[centrarchid]

Never buy un-vaccinated chicks from anywhere. Several diseases are endemic to almost all poultry flocks whether you have problems with this or not. Marek's disease in particular is devastating. Salmonella is also pervasive.

Chickens can be carriers without developing physical signs. Young chicks are absolutely susceptible. Vaccination will not necessarily prevent introduced chicks from getting a disease--but, if they do contract one they might survive. Vaccination builds immunity, but is not 100% defensive. Same as for humans.

Marek's is horrible to experience, often with 100% morbidity. And it is almost impossible for the backyard poultry producer to eradicate it. Vaccinating chicks at a day old is our only hope to avoid this disease. Marek's is endemic in this country--even in commercial flocks. It ain't a pretty thing to endure.

I do NOT like this way of thinking. Immunity / resistance can be realized through selection when you breed your own birds. If you outsource only, then such thinking may be appropriate in high disease settings. My birds have endured just about everything and have been doing so much longer than we have even recognized the existence of diseases that impact chickens.

 

[BYCforlife]

I do NOT like this way of thinking. Immunity / resistance can be realized through selection when you breed your own birds. If you outsource only, then such thinking may be appropriate in high disease settings. My birds have endured just about everything and have been doing so much longer than we have even recognized the existence of diseases that impact chickens.

I never gave my hens medicated feed, and they were not vaccinated for Marek's or Cocci. I found out I was "supposed" to, but I didn't. My hens are healthy, and nobody's gotten sick from the eggs, so......

 

[Beer can]

I never gave my hens medicated feed, and they were not vaccinated for Marek's or Cocci. I found out I was "supposed" to, but I didn't. My hens are healthy, and nobody's gotten sick from the eggs, so......

Decades of no vaccinations and no medicated feed and no problems.

 

[WannabeFarmer5]

Decades of no vaccinations and no medicated feed and no problems.

This is of topic but nice avatar!

 

[Isaac 0]

None of my chickens are vaccinated no problems here.I dont use medicated feed either.Letting them roll around in dirt is the best vaccination.I would only recommend vaccinations to people who keep there chickens in small cages with no access to dirt and bugs.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Never buy un-vaccinated chicks from anywhere. Several diseases are endemic to almost all poultry flocks whether you have problems with this or not. Marek's disease in particular is devastating. Salmonella is also pervasive.

Chickens can be carriers without developing physical signs. Young chicks are absolutely susceptible. Vaccination will not necessarily prevent introduced chicks from getting a disease--but, if they do contract one they might survive. Vaccination builds immunity, but is not 100% defensive. Same as for humans.

Marek's is horrible to experience, often with 100% morbidity. And it is almost impossible for the backyard poultry producer to eradicate it. Vaccinating chicks at a day old is our only hope to avoid this disease. Marek's is endemic in this country--even in commercial flocks. It ain't a pretty thing to endure.

Your post contains a lot of hyperbole and misrepresentation of fact.

 

[lazy gardener]

I have never used medicated feed. Never had a single loss due to Coccidiosis. I have never had a chicken vaccinated for Marek's disease in my flock. And if I were faced with the option of purchasing a chick that was vaccinated, or a chick that was NOT vaccinated, I would choose the unvaccinated chick, and walk away if the only choice was a vaccinated chick.

I urge the OP as well as all readers to do their homework before deciding to use medicated or unmedicated feed, or to vaccinate, or NOT vaccinate their chicks. There are plenty of options for ensuring that your flock has strong immunity to all pathogens. They include: early exposure to local pathogens and beneficial microbes during the 2 week window of opportunity after hatch. Exposing chickens to local wild turkey populations or soil that has been frequented by wild turkeys. Ensuring that your flock has plenty of room. Not keeping your flock on bare soil. And using fermented feed.

Check out this publication:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/tthis-chicken-vaccine-makes-virus-dangerous/

 

[pennyJo1960]

Never buy un-vaccinated chicks from anywhere. Several diseases are endemic to almost all poultry flocks whether you have problems with this or not. Marek's disease in particular is devastating. Salmonella is also pervasive.

Chickens can be carriers without developing physical signs. Young chicks are absolutely susceptible. Vaccination will not necessarily prevent introduced chicks from getting a disease--but, if they do contract one they might survive. Vaccination builds immunity, but is not 100% defensive. Same as for humans.

Marek's is horrible to experience, often with 100% morbidity. And it is almost impossible for the backyard poultry producer to eradicate it. Vaccinating chicks at a day old is our only hope to avoid this disease. Marek's is endemic in this country--even in commercial flocks. It ain't a pretty thing to endure.

I have never vaccinated never had a sick bird I sorry but feel your post is overstepping causing fear and problems