Is this fowl pox?

[celliott24]

Is this fowl pox? If so, I know there is no cure, but what is the best way for me to deal with it and help my girls?

I only have 8 hens in my little quarter-acre backyard. All 8 are approximately 20-22 weeks old - almost to laying age, but nobody has laid yet. Right now it’s looking like two, maybe 3 have some mild, scab-like symptoms going on. Should I separate those girls from the rest of the flock? If so, for how long? Quarantining them would be very tough, but I can figure it out if I need to. I just hate to have them cooped up in tiny quarters for any extended period of time….Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Tonyroo]

Looks like a mild case. Just leave it alone.

 

[pinewoodacres]

I would say yes, looks like it to me. It tends to happen around this time of year when bugs are at their worst (it’s transmitted via mosquito). You just let it run its course. You could do some vitamins in the water to help give their bodies what they need to fight it but I didn’t do anything when mine had it.

Personally, I don’t separate anybody since they’re all living in the same area and have been in close contact for however long the incubation period was already.

 

[celliott24]

I would say yes, looks like it to me. It tends to happen around this time of year when bugs are at their worst (it’s transmitted via mosquito). You just let it run its course. You could do some vitamins in the water to help give their bodies what they need to fight it but I didn’t do anything when mine had it.

Personally, I don’t separate anybody since they’re all living in the same area and have been in close contact for however long the incubation period was already.

This makes sense - thanks for the help and advice! Any idea on if it will affect when they’ll lay their first eggs? We’re eagerly awaiting…and if they do lay while they’re infected, are they still safe to eat?

 

[pinewoodacres]

This makes sense - thanks for the help and advice! Any idea on if it will affect when they’ll lay their first eggs? We’re eagerly awaiting…and if they do lay while they’re infected, are they still safe to eat?

I had one start laying while she had it, so I don’t think it will affect it a ton, if at all. I was in contact with the extension office at that time since I had one that had stopped but they didn’t think pox was the cause; it was most likely just the reduction in daylight. Yes, they will be safe to eat.