Fowl Pox??

[WhenInRhome]

We went out of town over the weekend. Went out to feed them and check on them and noticed some black dots on their combs. I googled and it looks like fowl pox? Are the eggs safe to eat? We already ate 2 cooked in our dinner last night! I saw there was a vaccine. I have given puppies shots before but I am not sure if I can give a chicken a shot!

Just wanted to confirm this is pox.

 

[MrsBrooke]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/avian-pox-how-to-treat-your-chickens-for-avian-pox

Everything you need to know.

The vaccine is a preventative, so giving it after-the-fact won't do much good. The virus will run its course and the birds should have some level of immunity against getting it in the future (if I remember correctly).

Yours looks like the dry version. The wet version affects the mouth and throat and can be much more serious.

Just keep an eye on them for any signs of lethargy or going off food and water.

This, too, shall pass.

MrsB

 

[WhenInRhome]

Thank you for the link! I didnt see the egg answer, are the eggs safe to eat? They have slowed production. I have 4 that are laying, and have been getting on average 3 eggs a day. Lately it has been just one. Should I toss it?

 

[dawg53]

Thank you for the link! I didnt see the egg answer, are the eggs safe to eat? They have slowed production. I have 4 that are laying, and have been getting on average 3 eggs a day. Lately it has been just one. Should I toss it?

The eggs are safe to eat. However if you use an antibiotic for a secondary bacterial infection; you would need to know the egg withdrawal period for that particular antibiotic.

 

[WhenInRhome]

Thank you!

There were no eggs today at all They had just started laying again after we got them shaded and cooler. Stupid pox!