What Vaccinations Should My Pullets Have?

Vaccinations are one of the most important — and most overlooked — aspects of starting a healthy flock. Understanding what your pullets should be vaccinated against, and why it matters, helps you make informed decisions and ask the right questions when buying birds.

At Stafford Hill Farms: Our Golden Comet pullets are vaccinated before they leave the farm. When you pick up your birds, you're starting with a protected flock — not birds that have never been exposed to disease prevention.

Core Vaccinations for Laying Pullets

Marek's Disease

What it is: A highly contagious herpesvirus that causes tumors, paralysis, and death in chickens. It spreads through feather dander and can persist in the environment for years.

Why it matters: Marek's is present in virtually every environment where chickens have been kept. Unvaccinated birds introduced to a contaminated environment — including most backyard coops — are at significant risk.

Vaccination: Administered at hatch, typically in the hatchery. This is the single most important vaccination for any laying flock. Most reputable hatcheries and farms vaccinate for Marek's as standard practice.

Important note: The Marek's vaccine prevents disease but does not prevent infection. Vaccinated birds can still carry and shed the virus — they just don't get sick. This is why introducing unvaccinated birds to a flock with vaccinated birds carries risk.

Newcastle Disease / Infectious Bronchitis (ND/IB)

What it is: Newcastle Disease is a viral respiratory illness that can devastate flocks rapidly. Infectious Bronchitis is a coronavirus that causes respiratory symptoms and reduced egg production. Both are highly contagious.

Why it matters: These are among the most common respiratory diseases in backyard flocks. Vaccinated birds have significantly better outcomes if exposed.

Vaccination: Often given as a combined vaccine via eye drop or drinking water at the hatchery or farm. Some farms give booster doses as birds mature.

Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)

What it is: A viral disease that attacks the immune system of young birds, leaving them vulnerable to secondary infections.

Why it matters: Most dangerous in birds under 6 weeks. Vaccinated birds develop a stronger immune response and are better equipped to handle other disease challenges.

Vaccination: Typically given in the first few weeks of life via drinking water.

Optional / Situational Vaccinations

  • Fowl Pox — Recommended in areas with high mosquito pressure. Mosquitoes are the primary vector. More relevant in warm, wet climates.
  • Avian Encephalomyelitis (AE) — Causes tremors and paralysis in young chicks. Vaccination is common in breeder flocks.
  • Salmonella — Relevant for commercial operations or flocks selling eggs commercially. Less common in small backyard flocks.

Questions to Ask When Buying Pullets

Before purchasing birds from any source, ask:

  • Are your birds vaccinated for Marek's Disease?
  • What other vaccinations have they received?
  • At what age were they vaccinated?
  • Do you have documentation of vaccinations?

A reputable farm will answer these questions clearly and confidently. Vague answers or "we don't vaccinate" should be a red flag, especially for Marek's.

What About Antibiotics?

Vaccinations and antibiotics are different things. Vaccines prevent specific diseases. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections after the fact. At Stafford Hill Farms, we do not use routine antibiotics in our flock — our birds are raised on quality feed, in clean conditions, with proper vaccination protocols. Healthy birds raised right don't need routine antibiotic treatment.

Browse Our Vaccinated Pullets →  |  Back to The Learning Coop →