Beaks turning black at the base?

[chickery]

Hey there: I hope someone here can help me because I don't have a clue what this could be. We have 12 Buff Orpington hens. They are 5 months old, and some are just beginning to lay. About half of them have developed black crusty spot at the base of their beak. One also has a small black spot on her comb, and one has a black spot on the bottom of her ear. They seem to be acting normal; eating and drinking. It has been extremely hot and humid here in Southern Alabama. They are free rangers. Picture attached.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Looks like fowl pox which is transmitted by mosquitos, and will run it's course in 4-6 weeks.

 

[chickery]

Looks like fowl pox which is transmitted by mosquitos, and will run it's course in 4-6 weeks.

Thank you. That is good news. Do I need to do anything for them at this point?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you. That is good news. Do I need to do anything for them at this point?

I personally don't do anything. I've only had it in my turkeys. If it gets into their mouths or covers their eyes you may need to assist them if they are struggling. You could separate the affected ones to slow the spread as the lesions can spread the virus as well as mosquitos. Those that get it will be immune afterwards. Make sure to dump any standing water to keep mosquitos from reproducing as much as possible.