In my four years of owning chickens, I've become personally familiar with two common chicken ailments: Coccidiosis and external parasites(mites/lice). I was once under the belief that simply keeping your coop and chickens clean would prevent disease, but as I continue my chicken-owning journey, I've learned that's not the case. I'm very concerned my flock may contract Fowl Pox. I live in central Texas, and here it is quite humid, and more specifically, there's lots of mosquito's. My entire town has been going through a particularly bad mosquito epidemic this year, though we always have a problem with mosquito's every year. Up until recently, you couldn't go out at anytime, day or night, without being swarmed. Now, you can go out outside in the morning, or late at night, and probably not get bit. I do all of the preventative measures to keep mosquito populations down, but as I said before, there's no where here that's safe from the blood suckers. That being said, I'm worried about Fowl Pox. I know there's a vaccine available, but as far as I know, it's not available to the public, and a vet bill for 20 chickens will not be a pretty penny. What can I do? I've thought about using those tiny pesticide balls, or dust, or spray, but I decided against it for one simple reason: my chickens are allowed to go where they please, and may eat the contaminated grass/dirt. I bought a bug zapper light, but it can't remain outdoors 24/7 since it can't be exposed to rain, and it kills the lightning bugs too.
Also, I frequently volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue, where I handle or come in close contact to squirrels, baby songbirds/pigeons, opposums, etc. After accidentally bringing him lice to my flock, I now shower immediately after getting home and wash my shoes. Is that enough to prevent disease from spreading to my flock?
Also, I frequently volunteer at a Wildlife Rescue, where I handle or come in close contact to squirrels, baby songbirds/pigeons, opposums, etc. After accidentally bringing him lice to my flock, I now shower immediately after getting home and wash my shoes. Is that enough to prevent disease from spreading to my flock?
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