Pox in Chickens

[ChickensXOXO]

I have a chicken with sores on his comb, and I believe it's some type of pox. First off, will this kill him? Can I treat it? What do I need to do to protect my entire flock?

I've had chickens for years, and I only bought locally. We also usually killed them off, and we didn't have them long. I've been buying out of state for the past year and not killing off my pet chickens, now I need to know how to control this!


Thanks!

 

[Judy]

Look up fowl pox, or dry fowl pox. The dry type, the most common, looks like flat black spots, usually on the comb and wattles. It is a virus, essentially harmless, will disappear on its own in about 3 weeks -- and those birds will be immune to it for life. If a spot looks like it is getting infected, dab a little Neosporin or Betadine on it once or twice.

There is also a wet fowl pox which is much rarer and more serious; it gets in the mouth and throat, as I recall. Around here, all mine get dry pox once, it seems. I've never seen wet pox.

 

[ChickensXOXO]

Look up fowl pox, or dry fowl pox. The dry type, the most common, looks like flat black spots, usually on the comb and wattles. It is a virus, essentially harmless, will disappear on its own in about 3 weeks -- and those birds will be immune to it for life. If a spot looks like it is getting infected, dab a little Neosporin or Betadine on it once or twice.

There is also a wet fowl pox which is much rarer and more serious; it gets in the mouth and throat, as I recall. Around here, all mine get dry pox once, it seems. I've never seen wet pox.

Thanks so much for the information!!

 

[Judy]

Glad to be able to help! I hope it IS dry pox.