my flock's got the pox...need confirmation on what to do

[fun monitor]

Yep, nearly the whole flock has the dry pox. This is what I understand and how I will be "treating" from what I have read:

-treat open wounds (only one is that bad) with iodine or blu kote
-supplement with AviaCharge - what is the non-McMurray name for that?
-eliminate/spray for mosquitoes

We don't have a huge mosquito problem and we are very diligent about not leaving standing pools of water due to West Nile. There are too many birds to segregate - about half the flock is infected.

Anything else is appreciated! Being Mrs. Worst-Case-Scenario anyway, I'm picturing losing the whole flock.

 

[a2ms4chickens]

I had a couple of birds that had wet-pox last year. They were separated from the rest of the flock, so it didn't spread.

I put iodine on their sores, and gave them vitamins/electrolytes. I had to deal with the canker in their mouths, also.

The pullet was a show bird, and were afraid we wouldn't be able to show her. However, the birds survived, and she took a blue ribbon at the fair in April.

Don't give up hope. It sounds like you have things under control.

 

[Ladysonja]

I found Dry Pox on one of my Barred Rocks Sunday/Monday this week.

From everything I have read and have been told thus far by other BYC'r, you are on the right path with your treatment plan.

I have read that the virus can hibernate for a long period of time and will run its course in about 7-10 days when the Poxs show up.

I purchased my birds from a feed store about two weeks ago and believe they were bitten by an infected mosquito before I brought them home and the Poxs are now showing up on 1 of my girls.

Dry Pox are not fatal, but be mindful of Wet Pox. It can be if the bird is unable to eat or drink.

Change waters twice a day and keep the coop/run as clean as possible.

Since you can not seperate the flock, it may be best to let the Dry Pox run it's course. From what I understand, the birds will not get it again.

I'm sure more BYC'rs will post and help with their suggestions. Good Luck.