Is it safe to vaccinate these chicks for fowl pox?

[InsaneBreeder]

My main flock has just come down with fowl pox, and I have 22 4-week-old chicks in a closed off area a ways away, but within sight. I have an adult frizzle that lives with the chicks, and a few days ago I took her out to free range with my main flock. This was before the disease had shown up, and the only ones she had contact with were two roosters who mated with her, neither of which had symptoms at the time and one of which is beginning to show symptoms today. She didn't go into their coop or come into contact with anything but the two roosters, but I am wondering if she was contaminated and if it is okay for me to vaccinate the isolated chicks. Neither she nor the chicks are showing any symptoms.

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Anyone?

 

[tls_ranch]

I would vaccinate. Use the right one for their age: Chick N Pox for under 6 weeks or Poxine for chickens older than 6 weeks. Pox is also spread by mosquitoes and they can be everywhere. I think as long as they are not showing active symptoms you can vaccinate any bird. Make sure to check the "poke" site for a scab/reaction and re-vaccinate any that don't develop a reaction after 5 or so days. Young chicks under 7 weeks may require a second vaccination to insure protection. Some breeders vaccinate twice a year if there is a fowl pox problem in the area. Do not vaccinate within 21 days of butchering.

Good luck

 

[PunkinPeep]

Some of the literature you read on this is conflicting, but you can vaccinate even the ones who have started to show symptoms. My friend (Bedste on BYC) had this problem last year and was able to curb its affects by vaccinating her entire flock, including the affected birds.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=262336

Here is the link to her thread. I hope it will be helpful to you.

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Okay, thanks for your help!