Mareks, recovery and rehabilitation

[Gizabelle]

I lost almost my entire flock (7 of 8 unvaccinated hens) when it hit me. The state lab confirmed what we already knew after the first few losses. Our one remaining hen is now treated more like a dog than a chicken and gets spoiled beyond belief. She'll be 4 this spring, and she's a treasure. Molts seem extra hard on her, and I always worry, but other than that, she seems to be doing ok.
We'll be bringing in a new crop of vaccinated chicks the year and see how it goes.
You just educate yourself as much as possible and do the best you can with the cards you're dealt.

 

[Gone]

I lost almost my entire flock (7 of 8 unvaccinated hens) when it hit me. The state lab confirmed what we already knew after the first few losses. Our one remaining hen is now treated more like a dog than a chicken and gets spoiled beyond belief. She'll be 4 this spring, and she's a treasure. Molts seem extra hard on her, and I always worry, but other than that, she seems to be doing ok.
We'll be bringing in a new crop of vaccinated chicks the year and see how it goes.
You just educate yourself as much as possible and do the best you can with the cards you're dealt.

I have one like that, a black lace Wyandotte. She is about 4 now and walks proud. If the vaccinated hen recovers, when would it be safe to put her back with the other hens? Most are vaccinated.

 

[Gone]

I have one like that, a black lace Wyandotte. She is about 4 now and walks proud. If the vaccinated hen recovers, when would it be safe to put her back with the other hens? Most are vaccinated.

Or do I have to cull her anyway?

 

[Gizabelle]

I personally wouldn't cull unless the bird is suffering and there's little to no hope of recovery. Remember, the vaccine does not prevent infection, only formation of the tumors that are the biggest concern associated with the disease. The vaccinated birds are all essentially carriers anyway, so as long as she's healthy enough to fend for her spot in the pecking order, I'd start reintroduction.

 

[coach723]

I also don't cull unless it's necessary due to the condition of the bird (suffering). If there is Marek's in the flock they have all been exposed already. It's very contagious and can be carried by shoes, clothing, equipment, etc., and will be in the environment for a long time. For the backyard keeper it's basically impossible to not spread it amongst the flock. Some birds may never show symptoms, even unvaccinated ones, it's very hard to predict.
Vaccination for this particular virus is a personal choice, I don't advocate either way, for or against. It's best to read as much as you can on the subject, put that information with your own belief system and way of doing things, and do that which you are comfortable with and what works for you.
Marek's sucks, no question.