Concerned about how comb looks

[DaveJ]

It looks injured/scabby. Wondering if it is a pest or self inflicted or....? Should I treat her?

 

[rocknchickenfam]

Just looks like typical pecking marks...I wouldn't worry

 

[Bigwig]

If you have other chickens living with her they probably pecked her comb. I would not worry about the wounds, they are to small to worry about. I have had hens who lost large pieces of their combs and they were fine.

 

[DaveJ]

Ok thank you. We just don't like one of our girls not looking perfect, I guess.

 

[Bigwig]

What breed (s) of chickens do you have?

 

[DaveJ]

What breed (s) of chickens do you have?


1 RIR
1 Black Astraulorp
1 Araucana
1 Red Star
1 Welsummer
2 Barred Rock

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

That looks very suspicious for the dry form of fowl pox. It's a self limiting disease, but is very contagious and will most likely spread through the flock. However, after a short time (I believe about two weeks or so), symptoms should start to go away. However, the virus does live quite well in the scabs that fall off and any new birds you bring in may be affected. This is an incredibly common virus in chickens and occasionally people will treat for secondary bacterial infections, but I don't think that is always necessary. If you see things start to get worse, you can consider treating more aggressively.

 

[DaveJ]

I see. I guess I have some studying to do. Thank you Chickerdoodle13

 

[Chickerdoodle13]

No problem! It's a very common virus and should go away on its own. While the virus is very contagious, it is rare to lose birds to the dry form. The wet form (develop in the mouth) can certainly kill birds but usually does not present as scabs on the combs and wattles.

 

[Bigwig]

1 RIR
1 Black Astraulorp
1 Araucana
1 Red Star
1 Welsummer
2 Barred Rock

RIRs, Red Stars, and Barred rocks are all known to be aggressive towards other chickens.