How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: frostbite and now an infection?

SO glad to see you back, Cathryn!!

Yeah, it sucks---first the white Polish (who is fully recovered and laying, thanks to you!), now this...I figure we tracked it in from the bird feeder right outside the kitchen door. That's gone now. I still have the second group in quarantine (the group from my friend), and a friend of mine helped me vaccinate them a few days ago. But the flock down in the coop are all showing signs of infection---some not as bad as others, but still showing lesions. They don't seem to be feeling too bad, still eating and laying, but I check them every day for growths around their beaks and eyes. We have already put ourselves under quarantine---no visiting other chicken folks, strict set of clothes and shoes protocol, bleaching and bleaching and bleaching...

I feel like I'm getting the proverbial trial-by-fire in regards to chickens...I have had rabbits for years, was a 4-H rabbit leader, participated in shows, etc. I know all of the diseases and conditions in rabbits and not *once* have I seen them in my rabbits. But the chickens....whew! I'll add the antibiotic (already doing vitamins) starting tomorrow. Thanks for all of the good information!

Chrys

________________________________
From: CathrynTherese
To: "CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com"
Sent: Saturday, February 2, 2013 12:39 PM
Subject: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Re: frostbite and now an infection?

Chrys, Fowl pox can affect future egg lying, fertility, and some of your chickens can end up being carriers for several months. It's best to separate obvious pox victims and start them on supportive poultry vitamins and broad spectrum antibiotic. Then vaccinate the rest of the flock with chick pox vaccine twice. You'll have to keep your flocks vaccinated on a regular basis now you know that pox is a problem in your area. You are fortunate there is not wet pox with the dry pox sores. You'll need to clean well too, it's passed bird to bird after the infection is spread by mosquitoes from wild birds. You'll have to self quarantine for the next 3-4 months and make sure you do not track pox elsewhere to other's housebirds or chickens.

CathrynrainbowsilkiesTMinMichigan