Fowl pox and chicks soon?

[LikeTurkeys]

Hi everyone,
My chickens were recently diagnosed with fowl pox (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/are-these-peck-marks.1329173/) and it's spread to pretty much my whole flock. (There is also some strange swelling around their eyes, but I think it may be unrelated). I have a broody and chicks are due within 4 days. Will this affect them and if so how bad? Thanks.

 

[azygous]

Oh boy. Yes, your baby chicks are in danger. Fowl pox is contagious, and when baby chicks get it, it's particularly nasty.

There is a vaccine https://www.jefferspet.com/products/fowl-pox-vaccine-1000-d but it can't be given to chicks until age eight weeks.

I suppose all you can do is wait and see how bad this ends up being. But the vaccine might be a good idea for future chickens in your flock. It can only be given to healthy birds, though.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

It's just the dry version, but still. That's really unfortunate. I would separate them, but the broody has it too so I don't think it would do any good.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Oh boy. Yes, your baby chicks are in danger. Fowl pox is contagious, and when baby chicks get it, it's particularly nasty.

There is a vaccine https://www.jefferspet.com/products/fowl-pox-vaccine-1000-d but it can't be given to chicks until age eight weeks.

I suppose all you can do is wait and see how bad this ends up being. But the vaccine might be a good idea for future chickens in your flock. It can only be given to healthy birds, though.

So I can't do anything to help them? If I get chicks in the future, I'll keep the vaccine in mind and keep them separated 'till they're old enough.

 

[azygous]

My answer to your question is I don't really know if there's something you can do. I have no direct experience with fowl pox. If the broody has the pox, there isn't a lot you can do. If she's presently pox free, you might separate her and the chicks from the flock so they aren't in close proximity. It might help prevent the chicks getting it.

 

[LikeTurkeys]

They are hatching two days early! One is out already, another has external pip and two have internal. Wonder why.