I think this adult hen has pox, what do do?

[Strato]

I live in Hawaii where we have a huge population of feral chickens. I am raising a flock of mostly silkies, along with two adopted feral chickens from the jungle. The two feral chickens have not had any vaccinations, but I want to look into that because this has me very worried.

One of them has very quickly developed scabs around her eyes, which I recognize from sick chicks I have tried to rescue before who succumbed to the pox. Because she is an adult, I'm hoping she has a better chance of survival. Is there anything I can do to increase her odds? I have also isolated her from the others as I know the pox is very contagious.

 

[sourland]

It does look like pox, and looks as if the infection is resolving. Since it is a virus it will have to run its course. If vision is impacted, ophthalmic ointment will help her to see.

 

[cfonts]

I also live in Hawaii and I am all too familiar with this I agree with @sourland that the virus will just have to run its course. I've experienced both chicks and adult chickens having fowl pox and it seems that the older chickens fare well when it comes to the virus compared to the younger ones.

While there is no treatment for fowl pox, I've read that there are things you can do to help keep them comfortable: https://the-chicken-chick.com/fowl-pox-prevention-treatmen/

Wishing her a quick recovery!

 

[Strato]

Thank you! Any idea how long it might take for her to recover, or what stage she's at? I've read anywhere from 2-5 weeks.