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I thought this was a big no no but have just been down to my local chicken breeder and he tells me he doesn't immunize any of his birds and if you do go down the immunization route you are in big trouble...!

Any help from you guys would be very helpful...

We are going to look at chickens tomorrow. The breeder said he imunizes his birds.

Yes, I thought the general consensus was to buy immunized birds - don't understand his point, maybe someone on here does.  ??? What breed are you going for grannyjanny?

Still researching but have narrowed it down to three. Wyandottes, Pekin, Silkies & possibly a Booted, all Bantams. I want to be able to let them roam in the garden & these are supposed to do the least damage. They will have an enclosed run too for when we are not around.

anyone else help me regarding immunisation for chickens before purchase?

Don't think my birds were immunised.... but when looking at the farm they came from all birds looked v healthy and happy. They are still the picture of health now ( touch wood), think it may be a problem if you mix birds from different sources, but in no way an expert.

Best bet is to look at birds when you buy them and look at conditions are kept in.....

None of my chickens are immunised. I don't think it is necessary for home poultry keeping. It is a different story for chicken farmers who don't want to take the risk.

That makes sense. Thank you!

Back in Nov we bought a couple of large Wyandottes from a breeder who said they'd been vaccinated. One died last week, the other one doesn't look particularly healthy. About the same time we bought 3 bantam Wyandottes from another breeder who doesn't vaccinate and I've never seen happier, healthier birds. Make of that what you will.  Recommend Wyandottes generally tho!

My ex bats are supposed to be immunized!  I think it is the salmonella thing - although I can't see how they do it.

It isn't like imminizing dogs they put the stuff in their water or feed so it is a bit hit and miss anyway.

Having said that I have had no particular health problems with these or the previous bunch of birds.

Old Bird

Big breeders inloculate chicks at day olds, small breeders and back garden breeders the cost is too much to do.
I dont buy in birds now I just hatch what I need and my girls are very healthy no problems.
I also have a niece who cannot eat eggs off the birds that have been vacinated.
some breeders give you a week if one bird is ill you can get a replacement.
if a breeder does not offer this stay clear look for bright lively  hens, good luck

I have had both vaccinated and non-vaccinated hens.  Never noticed a difference in either.  Both have done fine. 

Quote from: teresa on February 18, 2010, 12:51:46

I also have a niece who cannot eat eggs off the birds that have been vacinated.

crikey, that is enough to make me opt for non vaccinated! It's shocking what can come through the food chain!