JoanieShrubs
Songster
Anti-vaxxers please scroll past now...
I have a case of ocular Marek's in my flock. My little girls and I breed rare show poultry here in Australia, and obvs they can't be shown with a symptomatic case on the property, so I sourced a few vials of Marek's vaccine from a vet friend so I could do all my new chicks and maybe save something of the (all but finished) breeding season.
The chicks are Barbu deWatermael, super tiny. The friend showed me how to vaccinate under the skin on the bird's side, in the bald patch just above the 'drumstick.' I've watched online videos where they do it in the neck but I followed her advice. I don't know where the needle actually went but the fluid came out of the chick's mouth
and after a few minutes of struggling to breathe it passed away. It was sooo distressing, and my ten year old assistant was really upset too.
I need to finish vaccinating the chicks today if they're to have a chance at a long and healthy life, but I'm daunted. None of the videos i've seen online really show where and how to inject bantams safely. Can anyone with experience point me in the right direction or offer advice? Professional administration isn't an option where I live, and keeping a huge Marek's positive flock also isn't feasible with our hobby being breed conservation, development and exhibition.
Thankyou in advance x
I have a case of ocular Marek's in my flock. My little girls and I breed rare show poultry here in Australia, and obvs they can't be shown with a symptomatic case on the property, so I sourced a few vials of Marek's vaccine from a vet friend so I could do all my new chicks and maybe save something of the (all but finished) breeding season.
The chicks are Barbu deWatermael, super tiny. The friend showed me how to vaccinate under the skin on the bird's side, in the bald patch just above the 'drumstick.' I've watched online videos where they do it in the neck but I followed her advice. I don't know where the needle actually went but the fluid came out of the chick's mouth
and after a few minutes of struggling to breathe it passed away. It was sooo distressing, and my ten year old assistant was really upset too. I need to finish vaccinating the chicks today if they're to have a chance at a long and healthy life, but I'm daunted. None of the videos i've seen online really show where and how to inject bantams safely. Can anyone with experience point me in the right direction or offer advice? Professional administration isn't an option where I live, and keeping a huge Marek's positive flock also isn't feasible with our hobby being breed conservation, development and exhibition.
Thankyou in advance x
