New flock of hens - full vaccination really essential?

[Chasingmytail]

Hello
My numbers are dwindling in my flock and I have great demand for organic out door pasture eggs now. I have had terrible issues with myco and IB in my flock. Myco has been a problem from the day olds I had from a big breeder so only assume it was wild birds.

I am going to clear the last of my 30 keeping most but in a different area.

Right, now Im organic, I should buy POLs from organic breeder and I can only find one in Devon however the problem being they only do the chick vaccination of Mereks and Cocci. I am concerned that this isnt enough for my flock and if I go out and spend well over £700 on a new flock then I cant afford to lose any birds in future. The full vaccination includes egg drop syndrome, IB, Avian Rhinotracheitis,Variant Infectious Bronchitis, Infectious Bronchitis, Newcastle etc

Surely going fully vaccinated lowers my risk even though I do understand that the non vaccinated are strong birds. If one bird gets myco then the whole flock is ruined then all my money is lost on treatment and being stuck with birds that are at risk of illness.

Its not a problem getting SA to pass this. So if I go for full vaccinated I need to find them quick before winter. Do you agree?

 

[KMA]

I'd certainly vaccinate on the basis that its an insurance policy that could save a lot of money down the line. Still haven't got my hens yet

 

[Chasingmytail]

yeah feelings are going going towards full vaccinated. Waiting to here from some good hatcheries. Trying Piggots, Cyril Bison. I assume most poultry places buy their stock from these places and make a mark up. Need to get a good price though.

 

[spin cycle]

how can 'insurance vaccination' be acceptable 'organically'

 

[Chasingmytail]

how can 'insurance vaccination' be acceptable 'organically'

vaccination is acceptable in organic Im not sure of the issue there. I would assume all huge flocks in organic raised eggs are vaccinated Myco for instance is highly prevalent in the poultry world and it can wipe out all the stock.

Vaccinations are insurance for a healthy stock - dont impede on pollution, have an effect on eating, have any further side effects. I would rather not have to worry about it but the alternative is that they may have to be culled and on endless ABs. I dont vaccinate other animals are there is no need to but outdoor poultry are buggers for wild birds and the wind.

 

[Blaithin]

I wasn't aware there was a successful Myco vaccination? I know egg washes and things can help prevent it, but that's it.

I have it in my flock and rarely have issues. As a test I purchased some pullets from a lady that preventatively treats for Myco with denagard. It took about a year and then the hens started displaying symptoms.

Mareks, Newcastle, ILT... those are the ones I would be more concerned about in a larger, mature flock.