Foul pox? A type of CRD? I don't know... Please help!

[BuffOrps416]

I have two BO hens and yesterday they both developed small white spots on their combs and they have been very pale. One has a black mark on her comb, but I couldn't get a close enough look to see if it is related to the problem. They have both also been opening and closing their beaks like they are thirsty but I give them water and they don't really drink. In general I think they have been eating and drinking well, but they are still very pale and have small spots on their combs. I was thinking it could be favus or fowl pox, but I'm not really sure. I will try and post a picture soon. Also, they have been making sneeze like sounds and are frequently making loud sounds like "bok!!!". Someone please help me diagnose and cure them.

-Kelly

 

[GitaBooks]

It sounds like it could be foul pox, which can obstruct the throat and make them gag and have trouble breathing or eating. It is a virus and if it is the wet version (in the mouth) it can be dangerous.

I hope they get better soon.

 

[BuffOrps416]

If it is that, then what should I do to cure them. They haven't been any better today and are constantly looking pale and the skin on their ear lobes is very white.

 

[GitaBooks]

I don't think there is any cure for fowl pox, it usually just has to run its course. The chickens usually fight it off on their own if it doesn't prevent breathing or eating. There are vaccinations against it, but I don't think they work for chickens that are already infected.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like you aren't quite sure what the problem is yet, but with the sneezing and bok sounds, and the opening of the beaks, it sounds like they could have a respiratory disease. The spots on the combs and wattles may be something unrelated such as favus, peck marks, or pox. We would really benefit from seeing pictures. I would probably start some Tylan 50 injectable, either as a shot into the breast muscle or given orally to treat their symptoms. ILT, infectious bronchitis, MG, and coryza are all respiratory diseases that can cause shortness of breath and sneezing. Some are viral, but some are bacterial, and the antibiotics will help to treat bacterial illness, or to prevent secondary infections. Favus is white and chaulky, and can spread to other chickens. Antifungal cream such as lotrimin and miconazole will treat it. Pox is a virus that has to run it's course.

 

[chickenpatch]

A Photo if possible will be very helpful

 

[BuffOrps416]

 

[BuffOrps416]

Anyone???

 

[MrsBrooke]

I do not see evidence of fowl pox in the pictures. They would have multiple round scabby-looking things on their face, wattles, and comb... Unless it's wet pox. That's a whole different story. With the wet version of the virus, they would develop canker sores on the inside of their mouths/mucous membranes.

Do you see anyone sneezing, wheezing, coughing, going off food/water, acting lethargic, or any other odd behavior?

A chicken that doesn't feel good usually goes off by itself and doesn't hang around the others. You'll see them hunched and puffed by themselves... Or hear them sneezing and shaking their head.

If you see any of THAT going on, I would encourage you to take one of the birds to the vet to get a test to know what you've got... That way, we can know how to treat moving forward.

MrsB

 

[Eggcessive]

The black areas look like pecking to me. There could be some favus or fungal infection with the white spots on the face and white on the left earlobe. Rub some Monistat 7 (miconazole) or Lotrimin (clotrimazole) cream on the areas and the white on the comb. Sometimes dry skin can also look like favus. Below are 3 pictures of favus to show how it can look in different cases.