Posted on by AK

Chick Vaccines & Medications

Common Vaccines & Medications for Chicks

  1. Marek’s Disease Vaccine
    • What It Prevents: Marek’s is a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that causes tumors and paralysis in chickens.
    • When to Vaccinate: At hatch or within 24 hours for best protection, but you can still give it later if needed.
    • How to Administer:
      • It’s an injection (subcutaneous, under the skin, at the back of the neck).
      • Vaccine comes in a frozen vial that must be mixed and used quickly.
      • You’ll need sterile syringes and needles (often 0.5 mL per chick).
  2. Coccidiosis Prevention (Medicated Feed or Amprolium)
    • What It Prevents: A common parasite that causes diarrhea, weakness, and death in young chicks.
    • How to Prevent:
      • Medicated chick starter feed (contains amprolium) – Easiest way to protect them.
      • Amprolium (Corid) in water – If you’re using unmedicated feed, you can mix this into their drinking water if needed.
  3. Newcastle Disease & Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine(Optional but Recommended)
    • What It Prevents: Respiratory diseases that spread easily and cause coughing, sneezing, and egg production issues.
    • When to Vaccinate: Around 2 weeks old, with a booster later.
    • How to Administer: Given as eye drops, spray, or in drinking water.
  4. Fowl Pox Vaccine(Optional, if mosquitoes are common in your area)
    • What It Prevents: A virus spread by mosquitoes that causes wart-like lesions.
    • When to Vaccinate: At 4 weeks old.
    • How to Administer: A wing-web stab (poke a small needle into the wing web).

Where to Get Vaccines?

  • Local farm supply stores (some may carry Marek’s or Coccidiosis prevention).
  • Online hatchery suppliers (Meyer Hatchery, Stromberg’s, McMurray Hatchery).
  • Veterinarians who work with poultry (some carry vaccines or can order them).

General Care for Healthy Chicks

  • Heat: Keep the brooder at 95°F the first week, then decrease by 5°F each week.
  • Feed & Water: Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
  • Bedding: Pine shavings work well (avoid cedar).
  • Socialization: Handle them gently to get them used to you!