Bungled Marek's vaccination and killed my chick

[JoanieShrubs]

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

 

[Eggcessive]

It is given in the back of the neck just under the skin. Here is a video from a hatchery:

 

[EggSighted4Life]

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,

According to my current understanding.. vaccinating against Marek's doesn't prevent the disease it only hides the symptoms.. but they may still be positive and spreading it undetected.. are you aware of this?

 

[JoanieShrubs]

It is given in the back of the neck just under the skin. Here is a video from a hatchery:

yeah i watched everything available but it's shot long, i was hoping to see closer up, i'm worried about injuring the spine, they are seriously the teeniest tiniest critters

 

[2ndTink]

We have vaccinated a few teeny tiny bantams and a lot of silkies, they are definitely harder than the regular sized chicks, which are hard enough! Accidents happen, keep going and don't give up, its great you reached out for more advice.

We always vaccinate in the back of the neck. We do a 2 person system:

Person 1: hold chick, head toward Person 2, grab a Q tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and wet the fluff down on the back of the neck just up from the shoulder blades (I'll see if I have a photo)

Person 2: pinch up the skin to make a tent, insert needle just under the skin.

Person 1: depress the syringe.

Person 2: remove needle from chick.

We've found that having one person hold the syringe ans keep the needle exactly in place and a second person push the plunger keeps the needle just were it needs to be.

Not gonna fib and say we've never lost one from a whoops, it's not easy at all, but once you get a system down, it will be a lot smoother

I'll see if I can find some photos.

 

[2ndTink]

A cute photo to start things off and show you the size of a few we've done, it is possible! Not easy, but just relax, take your time, make sure you get the needle just under the skin into the tented area, definitely no deeper and not to the right of left. We do it from the back sticking toward the head, not the best photos of the actual stick location, I'll see if I can find another photo in a minute.



Adding spoiler button in case anyone doesnt want to see this part!

Spoiler: Vaccination photos

Pinching the neck to get that skin tent, hold it firm, it's better to have 10 seconds of discomfort than a bad stick due to a wiggling chick! The q tip ready to dab


Dab it to wet the fluff down so you can see the skin + sanitize the injection site

The price, so the left hand is holding the skin tent, right hand does the poke and you can see her fingers are resting on the chicks back for accuracy and bracing. Then the person holding the chick uses their right hand to depress the syringe.


Remove the needle, cap it, and go to the next chick.

We use single use insulin needles.

 

[JoanieShrubs]

A cute photo to start things off and show you the size of a few we've done, it is possible! Not easy, but just relax, take your time, make sure you get the needle just under the skin into the tented area, definitely no deeper and not to the right of left. We do it from the back sticking toward the head, not the best photos of the actual stick location, I'll see if I can find another photo in a minute.

View attachment 4025711

Adding spoiler button in case anyone doesnt want to see this part!

Spoiler: Vaccination photos

Pinching the neck to get that skin tent, hold it firm, it's better to have 10 seconds of discomfort than a bad stick due to a wiggling chick! The q tip ready to dab

View attachment 4025712
Dab it to wet the fluff down so you can see the skin + sanitize the injection site
View attachment 4025713View attachment 4025714
The price, so the left hand is holding the skin tent, right hand does the poke and you can see her fingers are resting on the chicks back for accuracy and bracing. Then the person holding the chick uses their right hand to depress the syringe.
View attachment 4025715

Remove the needle, cap it, and go to the next chick.

We use single use insulin needles.

Oh wow this was helpful, thankyou thankyou!

 

[2ndTink]

Oh wow this was helpful, thankyou thankyou!

I couldn't find a good photo for where we stick the needle in, if you need something let me know and I'll try to make a doodle.

Good luck with the vaccinations!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

According to my current understanding.. vaccinating against Marek's doesn't prevent the disease it only hides the symptoms.. but they may still be positive and spreading it undetected

You're right

 

[2ndTink]

I also wanted to add, be sure to quarantine the chicks from hatch + vaccinate and keep them in quarantine. I do 6 to 8 weeks, other say 16 to 20 weeks, others say around a week.

I sanitize my entire hatch / brooder room, floors, walls, ceiling before starting my hatching season. I sanitize my incubator, all the hatching eggs, and shower / change clothes and have dedicated brooder room shoes before entering.