[Gumbo]

Hi all.

I am new to this game, I found this web site and have been lurking for a couple of weeks now.  Have to say that I find it really useful and learnt a lot so thanks.

I have 4 chicks, about 6 weeks old now and they are all doing well but a friend said to me the other day that I need to get their injections sorted out???

Can someone please tell me what these injections are for and does everyone on here do their chucks?

[Kate and her Ducks]

Most immunisations are actually administered in their water and from day old so a bit late! That being said it is really only the big commercial hatcheries that vaccinate from what I hear. Most of us here don't and there is usually not much indication in a few back yard chickens kept a low stocking density,

I have never vacinated any of my ducklings.

[GrannieAnnie]

most vaccines come in 1000 doses, so a bit of a waste when you've only got a few chicks. I did my last lot of Babcocks as we had 300, but when I mentioned it to people, nobody seemed bothered whether they were vaccinated or not!  But like Kate says backyard chooks well looked after don't often suffer with anything.

Also, the only 2 of chickenlady's chooks who got mycoplasma and died, were 2 of those vaccinated Babcock's, so it didn't help them did it? It may have hit them hard because they were still young.  Only just started laying too!!!!   

Now we are giong to start hatching our own chicks though, I will begin to vaccinate them, especially against Mareks, but I'm still gathering info on this at the moment.

Good luck with them!

[Gumbo]

Many thanks.
Just finding out what a great time waster they are.

[woodside farm]

I have never vaccinated any of mine.

Michelle