Chicken Update: Avian Pox & Chicks

Avian pox is a relatively slow-spreading viral disease in birds, characterized by wart-like nodules on the skin and diphtheritic necrotic membranes lining the mouth and upper respiratory system. It has been present in birds since the earliest history. Mortality is not usually significant unless the respiratory involvement is marked. The disease may occur in any age of bird, at any time. Avian pox is caused by a virus of which there are at least three different strains or types; fowl pox virus, pigeon pox virus and canary pox virus. Although some workers include turkey pox virus as a distinct strain, many feel that is identical to fowl pox virus...

Dry pox starts as small whitish foci that develop into wart-like nodules. The nodules eventually are sloughed and scab formation precedes final healing. Lesions are most commonly seen on the featherless parts of the body (comb, wattles, ear lobes, eyes, and sometimes the feet).

Wet pox is associated with the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract, particularly the larynx and trachea. The lesions are diphtheritic in character and involve the mucous membranes to such a degree that when removed, an ulcerated or eroded area is left.

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You can click on the picture below to get a closer look...

Now, my third chicken... Molly. Is doing great. She has grown so much and should hopefully start laying eggs soon. I don't have any pictures of her, but I will try to post some later.

I am enjoying my chickens and can't wait for my chicks to hatch! If I am not here for them... I will assign my dad to take pictures for me. He will also be building a box to protect the chicks when they start to go outside when they are about one week old.

More updates to come!