Fowl pox? Something else?

[DSJMHenDen]

These spots on my girls comb have gotten progressively larger over maybe 2 weeks? I'm worried something is running through my flock, but I'm not sure what. I now have 1 I'm treating for sour crop, 1 with 1 swollen eye, and this girl with the spots that are crusty on her comb. Nothing has changed besides adding hemp to their run to start doing the deep litter method. None of the affected are old enough to molt. Feel like it's always something with my flock in sight appreciated.

 

[AnneGirlGG]

Could it be a pecking injury? I had 2 cockerels get into it, and one took a bite out of the other's comb. It left him with a blackish, kind of crusty spot as it healed.

 

[DSJMHenDen]

Could it be a pecking injury? I had 2 cockerels get into it, and one took a bite out of the other's comb. It left him with a blackish, kind of crusty spot as it healed.

It most definitely could be. That was actually my original thought, but now with the other 2 acting off, I got concerned it could be something more. We have had an record breaking month for rain in my area. They have a dry, covered run, but they have access to another area that is not covered. It hasn't been standing water wet, but still damp regularly. I have no idea. I could be overly worried, but that's why I come to all of you with far more experience.

 

[AnneGirlGG]

It most definitely could be. That was actually my original thought, but now with the other 2 acting off, I got concerned it could be something more. We have had an record breaking month for rain in my area. They have a dry, covered run, but they have access to another area that is not covered. It hasn't been standing water wet, but still damp regularly. I have no idea. I could be overly worried, but that's why I come to all of you with far more experience.

I totally get it. I worry more than is probably healthy for me about my chickens. I'm still very new, so definitely let others weigh in. I hope that's all it is though!

 

[Kims-Little-Zoo]

These spots on my girls comb have gotten progressively larger over maybe 2 weeks? I'm worried something is running through my flock, but I'm not sure what. I now have 1 I'm treating for sour crop, 1 with 1 swollen eye, and this girl with the spots that are crusty on her comb. Nothing has changed besides adding hemp to their run to start doing the deep litter method. None of the affected are old enough to molt. Feel like it's always something with my flock in sight appreciated.
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That is looking like Fowl pox to me. I’ve got it running through my flock right now but I’m at the end of it. Supportive care just make sure they are eating and drinking. It moves pretty slowly through the flock. I separated the ones that broke out first and quickly vaccinated those that didn’t have it ( 60+ birds) which seemed to help the majority haven’t gotten it and those that did get it after being vaccinated had far less pox on them than the first few who had it. The picture is of one of the last ones to break out in them. Good luck

 

[DSJMHenDen]

That is looking like Fowl pox to me. I’ve got it running through my flock right now but I’m at the end of it. Supportive care just make sure they are eating and drinking. It moves pretty slowly through the flock. I separated the ones that broke out first and quickly vaccinated those that didn’t have it ( 60+ birds) which seemed to help the majority haven’t gotten it and those that did get it after being vaccinated had far less pox on them than the first few who had it. The picture is of one of the last ones to break out in them. Good luck

I didn't realize there was a way to vaccinate. I'm guessing I'm too late to do that. From what I've read it comes from mosquitos? We do our best to make sure we have no standing water, but our area is notoriously bad for mosquitoes. Is it normal for them to stop laying with fowl pox? The 3 that have been acting off were spring chicks this year. 2 have stopped laying about a week ago. The one with the swollen eye (could be unrelated) has still been laying daily. I have my hands full with 9, I can't imagine over 60!

 

[dawg53]

I didn't realize there was a way to vaccinate. I'm guessing I'm too late to do that. From what I've read it comes from mosquitos? We do our best to make sure we have no standing water, but our area is notoriously bad for mosquitoes. Is it normal for them to stop laying with fowl pox? The 3 that have been acting off were spring chicks this year. 2 have stopped laying about a week ago. The one with the swollen eye (could be unrelated) has still been laying daily. I have my hands full with 9, I can't imagine over 60!

I've dealt with Fowl Pox, mosquitos are the main vector. It is a virus and slowly passes through your flock. You can put iodine on the scabs and they will shrink, avoid the eyes.
Birds will stop laying and become irritated and grouchy. Dont forget that there is less daylight heading into the fall and winter, egg laying will slow or stop until next spring. The good thing is that once the disease passes through your flock, your birds will be immune to the fowl pox strain thereafter.
As far as your hen with the swollen eye, it's possible there was a fowl pox scab near her eye and she scratched it due to the irritation, and caused a bacterial infection in her eye.
You can put a small dab of plain Neosporin ointment in her eye until healed. If the swelling hasnt gone down in 10 days, it would be best to get her started on an antibiotic such as Amoxicillin.
Eggs are safe to eat, humans cant get fowl pox.