Vaccinating Chickens: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re bringing new hens into your garden, you'll need to know whether they’ve been vaccinated. At Pipinchick, we vaccinate all our chickens for Salmonella, Marek’s, Newcastle’s Disease and Infectious Bronchitis. These are some of the most serious threats to poultry health, and protecting against them gives your flock the best chance of a long, happy life.
We don’t believe in over-vaccinating, as this can actually lead to weaker birds. Sadly, farms that use excessive vaccines often do so after years of recurring problems. Instead, our approach is balanced and focused, protecting against the most dangerous and common illnesses without compromising the pet birds' own natural strength.
Why Vaccinating Chickens Is Important
Buying unvaccinated chickens can be risky. Marek’s disease, for example, has no cure and is highly contagious. Once it takes hold, it can sweep through a flock quickly with devastating results. Vaccination is the only reliable way to protect against it. The same goes for other serious diseases like Newcastle’s and Infectious Bronchitis. These are not illnesses you want anywhere near your coop.
Common Chicken Illnesses to Know About
Even with vaccinated birds, it’s worth being aware of the most common illnesses that chickens can suffer from. Some are preventable with vaccines, while others need careful management, a clean environment and early treatment.
- Mycoplasma – a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It’s often treatable with antibiotics like Tylan if caught early.
- Worms and Parasites – regular worming and parasite control is essential to prevent infestations that can weaken your birds.
- Marek’s Disease – a fatal viral infection that is highly contagious. Vaccination is the only protection, and it’s one of the reasons we vaccinate every bird.
- Bumblefoot – a bacterial infection in the foot that can cause swelling, lameness and even blood poisoning if untreated.
- Internal Infections – can develop for many reasons, often leading to lethargy, loss of appetite and unusual droppings. Veterinary treatment is usually needed.
- Egg Peritonitis and Egg Binding – problems with egg laying that can quickly turn serious, sometimes causing internal infections.
- Sour or Impacted Crop – when food becomes stuck in the crop, leading to infection or starvation if not addressed.
- Vent Prolapse – a serious condition where part of the vent tissue protrudes. It can sometimes be corrected, but often results in reoccurrence.
- Coccidiosis – a parasitic infection usually affecting young birds, caused by dirty environments or contaminated droppings.
- Avian Influenza – one of the most significant poultry diseases worldwide. It’s highly contagious and fatal, with no available vaccine for backyard poultry.
Should I Buy Vaccinated Chickens?
In short, yes. Vaccination protects your flock from diseases that you simply cannot manage with good husbandry alone. While you can keep on top of parasites, infections and crop issues with attentive care, you can’t control viral killers like Marek’s or Newcastle’s without vaccines. By choosing vaccinated birds, you give your flock a strong start and reduce the risk of heartbreaking losses.
Looking After Your Flock
Vaccines are just one part of keeping hens happy and healthy. A clean coop, good quality feed, plenty of fresh water and space to roam will all help your birds thrive. Staying alert to signs of illness and acting quickly if something looks wrong makes a big difference too.
At Pipinchick, we’re proud to offer vaccinated chickens that are raised with care, giving you peace of mind when you welcome new birds into your home.
Find Your Perfect Flock with Pipinchick
Vaccinating chickens is just one part of building a healthy and happy flock, and at Pipinchick we make it simple to start your chicken-keeping journey with confidence. All of our hens are carefully raised, fully vaccinated against the most serious diseases, and ready to settle into their new homes. We specialise in friendly breeds such as Silkies, Bantams, and Hybrids, chosen for their temperaments as much as their looks, so you can enjoy both wonderful companions and reliable layers.
As well as our chickens for sale, we also stock everything you need to keep them thriving, from coops and runs to feeders, treats, and health supplies. Whether you’re brand new to keeping hens or adding to your existing flock, Pipinchick is here with expert advice, quality products, and healthy, vaccinated birds you can trust.
