One of the important considerations when starting a flock is whether to get vaccinated chicks or not. Vaccination can help protect your flock from various diseases, including Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and others.
But the question arises, do all hatcheries vaccinate before they ship?
In this article, I will discuss my personal experience with ordering chicks and whether hatcheries typically offer vaccinations.
My Personal Experience.
Of all the hatcheries I’ve ordered from, you have to select at checkout whether you want vaccination or not. It’s an optional add-on, and the price varies depending on the hatchery. When I ordered from Mc Murray hatchery, it was an option to get vaccinations. They offered various vaccinations, including Marek’s disease, coccidiosis, and other common illnesses. It was an extra charge, but I found it to be worth it for the added protection of my flock.
However, not all hatcheries offer vaccinations. Some hatcheries may not offer vaccinations because they do not have access to the vaccines or they may be focusing on selling chicks at a lower price point. It’s important to note that if a hatchery does not offer vaccinations, it doesn’t mean their chicks are unhealthy or of lower quality. It simply means that they don’t offer this service.
Additional Charges.
In addition to the cost of purchasing chicks from a hatchery, getting them vaccinated will usually come at an additional charge. It’s important to consider the added cost when budgeting for your flock. The price of vaccinations will vary depending on the hatchery and the type of vaccines you choose.
When you place your order, you will usually be given the option to pay extra for vaccination. Some hatcheries may offer a package deal for multiple vaccinations, while others may charge individually for each vaccine. The price can range anywhere from a few cents per chick to a few dollars per chick, depending on the hatchery and the vaccines you select.
If you want to vaccinate for Marek’s disease, be prepared to pay more than for other vaccines. Marek’s disease is a highly contagious and deadly virus that can have devastating effects on a flock. As a result, the vaccine for Marek’s disease is more expensive than other vaccines. However, it is also highly effective and can provide long-lasting protection for your flock.
Tractor Supply Chicks.
If you’re looking to purchase chicks from Tractor Supply, you may be wondering if they are vaccinated. The answer is, it depends. Tractor Supply does offer some vaccinated chicks, but not all of them. The availability of vaccinated chicks will vary depending on the store location and the time of year. It’s best to call your local Tractor Supply and ask about their availability of vaccinated chicks.
Hoovers Hatchery.
If you’re considering ordering chicks from Hoovers Hatchery, you may be wondering if they vaccinate their chicks. The answer is yes, they offer vaccinations for their chicks. However, the availability of vaccinations may vary depending on the breed of chicks you’re ordering. It’s best to check their website or call their customer service to find out if vaccinations are available for the specific breed of chicks you’re interested in.
Biosecurity Measures.
Whether you choose to vaccinate your chicks or not, it’s important to practice good biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of diseases. Even if your chicks are vaccinated, they can still be carriers of diseases that can infect other flocks. By practicing good biosecurity measures, such as cleaning and disinfecting equipment and limiting visitors to your flock, you can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Conclusion.
Knowing whether hatcheries offer vaccinations for their chicks is an important consideration when starting a flock. While not all hatcheries offer vaccinations, it’s usually an optional add-on that comes at an additional charge. It’s important to weigh the cost and benefits of vaccination for your specific situation and flock. Additionally, practicing good biosecurity measures is essential for keeping your flock healthy, vaccinated or not.
