Fowl Dry Pox: Suggestions-First Time Chicken Raiser Help!!!!!

[HortaChickenist]

6 Months into my first chicken raising experiment and today I noticed some lesions on two of my RIR's.... I double checked and was able to confirm that it is the dry fowl pox...I went to the Chicken Chicks website and read up on what to do but wanted some more feedback..I have 22 ladies 16 RIR's and 6 Jersey Giants.

I read a few old threads and wanted to know more about vaccinating. But the vaccine site said you can't infected birds and non-infected together so I was concerned about isolation and also what if I miss and vaccinate one that has it?

My birds are all organically raised, they get the apple cider vinegar in their water, garlic powder in the organic feed, nasturtiums and other greens from my organic garden. I clean the coop daily, floor is sand with DE and PDZ...I clean and dust daily. The run is shavings cleaned and switched weekly and I spray with IC3, I've done every thing I thought was right except vaccinate. This north Florida so mosquitos are here year round

I called two local "bird" vets and both knew less then I did! and neither carries the vaccine.

I am so beside myself right now and down right depressed about this one...I know you guys can talk me through this one...all help is welcomed greatly!!!!

Thx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[HortaChickenist]

One last question...separate? it looks like four more have it now...tiny little spots...or keep them together and weather the storm?

 

[BantamLover21]

I would probably just assume the whole flock has been exposed the fowl pox virus, since it is contagious, and not separate the obviously sick birds. Any birds resistant to it won't develop symptoms, while those that have less resistance will eventually all show the external signs (lesions/scabs). At this point vaccination wouldn't be very helpful; birds that recover from the disease will be immune.

As you've probably read, Fowl Pox has no treatment. Fortunately, it also tends to have very low mortality rates, especially in its dry form. Affected birds should recover completely in 6-8 weeks. It sounds like you're already offering your birds great care, which should help their immune systems. The only other thing I would consider is treating the flock with an antibiotic (although I guess that wouldn't be organic?), just to help prevent any opportunistic secondary bacterial infections.

The wet form of fowl pox (which your birds don't currently have) is more severe, since lesions in the throat/mouth can interfere with eating and respiration. Hopefully, none of your hens develop Wet Fowl Pox. If they did, though, treatment would remain pretty much the same: offer supportive treatment (nutritious feed, vitamins, antibiotics, remove scabs if necessary to help breathing, etc.) and let time heal.

I'm sorry you and your flock are going through this.

Good luck!

 

[BREKEN]

I went through this with my flock over the summer. I had both dry and wet versions. Lost 6 of my 22 chickens. Only those with the wet version I lost. I added antibiotics to their water for a few weeks till I knew it had run its course through everyone. There was no isolation as when you see one with it the others are already exposed. I will say my girls have not laid eggs since they recovered were before I was getting eggs daily. Hoping by spring that changes.

I recommend VetRx for your organic flock. Will help without harsh chemicals in most other antibiotics.

https://www.amazon.com/Vetrx-Poultr...4107&sr=8-2&keywords=antibiotics+for+chickens

 

[HortaChickenist]

Thanks...I was at it again today removing all potential hot debris..I'm was just amazed about how little information on this I came across before entering into the chicken world. I do the organic approach but do make exceptions on occasion and I would have totally vaccinated my entire flock if I had known about this. What even amazed me more was two supposed bird vets here in Jacksonville, Fl knew less then I did after 30 minutes of research online.

So to any chicken people here in the Jacksonville, FL area be on the alert Fowl Pox is prevalent in the area. As horticulturalist I know there are websites that keep you informed of virus and diseases regarding plants present in your growing area. Is there something regarding chickens that would mention potential diseases and viruses to be on the alert for regarding fowl? I'm sure there must be. I just don't have time to research...gotta keep the girls sanitized and comfortable.

What antibiotic would you recommend for their water. I have a 5 gallon waterer.

Thanks for you reply!!!

 

[HortaChickenist]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I will also look into the product you recommended. I'm hoping since we are in the midst of winter here it may be less stressful enduring this unforeseen plague as hot temperatures probably just add to the stress of the already stressed infected birds. Going forward as now chicken herder I will be vaccinating my future flocks. I'm organic to a point but not to the point of risking harm to ladies. Best of luck to you and hopefully your eggs will pick up soon!

 

[jcoz]

I just went through the same with dry pox. I watched for secondary respiratory problems after the intial infection, no problems though. It was slow spreading for me, but everyone seems to have recovered well. I've got a couple girls with nice bright red combs again, without spots, so I'm supposing egg laying will resume soon. Everyone is fat and sassy as per normal again.

 

[BREKEN]

When was it yours were sick?

 

[jcoz]

I would say it started in October/November and is finishing up now. We still had skeeters flying around at that point.

 

[Tillicans]

Thanks...I was at it again today removing all potential hot debris..I'm was just amazed about how little  information on this I came across before entering into the chicken world. I do the organic approach but do make exceptions on occasion and I would have totally vaccinated my entire flock if I had known about this. What even amazed me more was two supposed bird vets here in Jacksonville, Fl knew less then I did after 30 minutes of research online.

So to any chicken people here in the Jacksonville, FL area be on the alert Fowl Pox is prevalent in the area. As horticulturalist I know there are websites that keep you informed of virus and diseases regarding plants present in your growing area. Is there something regarding chickens that would mention potential diseases and viruses to be on the alert for regarding fowl? I'm sure there must be. I just don't have time to research...gotta keep the girls sanitized and comfortable.

What antibiotic would you recommend for their water. I have a 5 gallon waterer.

Thanks for you reply!!!

Do you have photos of the fowl pox or is it an internal illness. Just curious, I'm a newbie, always wanting to learn.