I want to start by saying, this isn’t meant to offend anyone. I’ve said several times YOU DO YOU. This information is for newbies, or for anyone who takes scientific or medical advice from internet groups. I’m not making fun of anyone - I did the same thing, at first. Until some things just started to sound…unlikely. The problem with the internet is that often, you can find other sources that back whatever you want to believe - which is why I say check with a reputable source, and more than one.
Let’s start with vaccinated and unvaccinated chicks, as this came up the other day. We will start with Marek’s as it’s a big one. I’m going to put a link to where I found my information, and let you read it for yourself. Suffice it to say, it is OK to mix vaccinated and unvaccinated birds. The vaccinated birds won’t make the unvaccinated birds sick, and may in fact, provide some protection. This information can be found at the American Poultry Association website, by searching Marek’s Vaccine, or going to this link: American Poultry Association - Mareks
If it is your personal preference to have only unvaccinated birds, again, do your thing. I just get frustrated that people parrot back everything they read on Facebook, without checking to see if it is true. Even the folks that say they had their first case of Mareks right after buying vaccinated chicks. Well, if a wild bird has ever landed on your property, or if you have ever worn your shoes out of your yard and into your coop, there is a possibility of Mareks being in your yard. It’s like saying the flu vaccine gave you the flu. It didn’t. It may give you muscle aches and make you feel a little crappy. But if you actually tested positive for flu shortly after getting the vaccine, it’s because you were exposed to the virus before the vaccine kicked in, or after, in which case you should have a milder case. But the flu comes from the virus itself, NOT from the vaccine. I have been mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated birds for 4 years with no issues.
So, what about other internet myths?
Feeding birds pumpkin as a de-wormer. Sounds great. Wish it were true. It is not. However, like many myths it has a glimmer of truth to it, which is what makes well-intentioned people believe it. Long story short, there is an amino acid in pumpkin that has been shown to kill worms in a test tube. However, it would take an outrageous amount of pumpkin to get the levels high enough, plus amino acids react differently in the gut. I’ll direct you to The Chicken Chick's article on Pumpkin as a Dewormer to read details of vet conversations and studies. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn't give your chickens pumpkin or squash…they love it! Just don’t rely on it as something it is not.
Apple Cider Vinegar in water. I always like to share my own experiences. I tried this back in my phase of believing everything other peoole posted. I was alarmed at how slimy it made my waterers. I will again refer you to the Chicken Chick’s article on this who quotes her vet as saying that studies have shown decreased weight gain in broiler chickens and decreases in a hen's ability to use calcium. I wouldn’t normally just refer you to another poster’s information. There are just SO many articles about the benefits of ACV that were posted because “someone told them”, and she actually has a veterinarian who specializes in chickens that she can go to for information.
DE or Diamataceous Earth. This one is easy. A no-brainer for me. I’ll admit, I used it when I first started chicken-keeping. But I remember I used to have a swimming pool, and had to add DE to the filter system. I was cautioned to NOT breathe it it. Chickens have very sensitive respiratory systems. Just go to Web MD and look up DE. In small amounts, inhaled it can cause lung irritation and coughing. In larger amounts or with repeated inhalation it can cause lung disease. It is irritating to the skin (these tiny particles are very sharp, which is why bugs don’t like it, and it dries out their exoskeleton) and we are putting it in out chickens dust baths? And food???
I want to add one more note about sensitive respiratory systems. If you start your chicks in the house, or you have a sick or injured bird inside, remember the danger of fumes from Teflon pans. Over-heated Teflon puts off fumes that can be deadly to birds. Keeping birds in or near a kitchen is a not recommended.
Again, the purpose of this article is just to get you to do your own research, and not believe everything you read in a Facebook group. When you Google something, don’t just take the first answer you see. Look at the source! Is it just someone else’s hobby farm page, or is it a medical or scientific source?
I hope this helps you take good care of your feather-babies!