What Chick Vaccinations Should You Get

Posted by maria on December 21st, 2020

The health of your entire flock is largely dependent on the vaccination for chicken you choose to give them. Chickens are usually kept in cramped commercial production facilities. Medication for broilers and vaccination for chicken was developed with the intention of reducing death rates, creating herd immunity, and reducing the risk of potential transmission of diseases among chickens. But it is always good to keep yourself informed regarding the vaccination to give your chickens. The list of vaccinations and antibiotics poultry isn't a comprehensive one since the poultry medicine companies keep introducing new drugs in the market. Here is a list of some common ones. 

Marek’s Disease

It is also known as fowl paralysis caused by a contagious virus. There is no treatment for this disease. However, administering a vaccination for chicken beforehand reduces the likelihood of infection. This vaccine is given to day-old chicks, both layers, and broilers.

Newcastle disease

This infection may lead to a decrease in egg production and production of thin-shelled eggs. This vaccine is given between the age of 15 to 20 days. Consult and vet and read the instruction by poultry medicine companies for advice regarding the doses. 

Fowlpox

It is a common infection that causes blisters on their comb, wattles and other areas. This vaccination for chicken is usually administered in the wing web at 10-12 weeks. 

Laryngotracheitis

This is a highly contagious respiratory infection with a high post-infection mortality rate. This vaccine is given via eye drops at 10 to 12 weeks of age. Apart from medication for broilers, proper biosecurity measures can prove effective in preventing outbreaks of the disease.

Infectious Bursal Disease

As the name suggests, this is a highly contagious viral disease. It attacks the immune system, thus making your flock more susceptible to other deadly infections. The vaccine for the bursal disease is given within 14 to 21 days via water.

Using vaccination for chicken is a personal choice. Some choose to not vaccinate their flock and pick the organic method of poultry farming. However, vaccinating the chicken and giving antibiotics to poultry helps in ensuring that the chickens stay healthy and so do the people consuming the poultry products.