Fowl Pox + Rat Snake = No eggs

[TurnerFlock]

We went on vacation last week and returned to a few issues. All four of our ladies have what appears to be a milder case of dry pox. We are monitoring the pox to make sure they don't end up with wet pox. On top of that, a rat snake got in the nesting boxes and ate some eggs. The neighbor boy who was watching the flock killed the snake There have been no eggs since the snake incident. Will they use the nesting box the snake was in or have they condemned it? Will they still lay eggs with fowl pox? They only use one of the two nesting boxes we have. I fluffed up all the straw in it and it looks like not a one has set foot in it. We can't do much about future snakes as we leave the coop and run open during the day so they can free range. It's probably all nothing to worry about but I am concerned about my girls.

 

[Donna R Raybon]

Might be bug bites and pecking one another rather than pox. Snake should not be an issue to hens using boxes. Hens not laying could be due to heat, change in routine. Did they free range while you were gone?

 

[TurnerFlock]

The spots definitely look like fowl pox. They all have them on combs and waddles. Their routine was the same while we were gone. I'm assuming they are still a little spooked by the snake visit. They may also be laying in the yard somewhere. I was just wondering if chickens with fowl pox will still lay or if they shut down due to stress.