Do you need to vaccinate all chickens?

Kirsty · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 8:49 pm

I have noticed a few references to vaccinating chickens. I am wondering if you bought chicks or ducklings and they aren't vaccinated is this something you should do? I would presume you can just get your vet to do this?

Is vaccinating more important if you are introducing new birds all the time more than if you just have your standard flock?

Thanks

County Lodge · **Posted:** Sat Jul 05, 2008 10:04 am

Most hatcheries will vaccinate chicks but most back yard breeders do not as it is too expensive and difficult to vaccinate a small flock. Vaccination needs to take place as day olds. Some poultry clubs get together and organise for members to all pool their chicks and vaccinate as most vaccinations are sold in a min. of 1000 doses.

Egyptian lace · **Posted:** Sat Jul 05, 2008 6:56 pm

Some people would rather not vaccinate and only breed from strong healthy birds.
Nature does it's own vaccination in a way.

Egglive · **Joined:** Fri Dec 14, 2007 10:58 am **Posts:** 267

Even vaccinated birds can get sickness that is brought in with new stock. If you bring in new birds quarantine is very important. I used to do two weeks, but now I do four weeks in a separate cage where I worm, delouse if necessary, and observe them for any signs of illness. It's worth it.

Egyptian lace · **Posted:** Sat Jul 05, 2008 8:44 pm

I find that whatever measures you take, if you have any wild birds around it's really a waste of time seperating new birds, 90 % of the time it's not the new chooks you bring in that causes the problems, it's the wild ones.
The only reason I seperate now is to save fights between the new ones.
And try to keep up to date with worming and louseing.
Another thing, no matter how far you have travelled,or how much time you have spent looking, don't buy anything that looks sick or diseased.
And if you have been in a suspect pen, wash your shoes and clothing when you get home. ( as well as yourself ).

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Do you need to vaccinate all chickens?

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