dixie chick Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 I have ordered six different pure breeds from a small breeder. She has a lovely domestic set-up and the hens all look happy and healthy. I really want to have her hens because she lives really close and they will not have a long stressful journey to their new home. However, because she hatches such small batches of pure breeds, she is unable to vaccinate - she tells me that the vaccination templates are intended for multiples of a thousand birds so it is not feasible for her to do it. Should I be concerned about this? Would I be able to get my six vaccinated at the vets once I have them -or am I being over cautious? These will be my first birds so I just want to do the right thing and any advice would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 She is right. Hobby breeders couldn't feasibly vaccinate, as it isn't straightforward, and the vaccines are sold in industrial quantities, with a very short 'use by' once opened. None of my home hatched birds have been vaccinated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 1, 2010 Share Posted June 1, 2010 Most pure breeds arent vaccinated for the reasons your breeder gave, thats correct info I've hatched about 70 chicks so far this year and none have been vaccinated Only one of all of my birds has been vaccinated all are fine and full of life! There are a few breeds that are prone to certain illnesses, Sebrights and Silkies are two such breeds, most breeders still dont vaccinate those prefering to go down the route of developing resistent strains which is seen as more sustainable and better for the future of the breed. If you are buying one of these breeds and are worried its possible to find a breeder that does vaccinate though Certain breeders always vaccinate - The Wernlas Collection for example Hybrids are usually vaccinated In short - the fact that birds are vaccinated or not does not indicate the quality of the breeder or stock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dixie chick Posted June 1, 2010 Author Share Posted June 1, 2010 Thank you so much for your prompt replies - am so happy that I can still get my birds from this breeder. What an incredibly useful resource this forum is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
