Avian Pox

[brent]

Any one familiar with Avian Pox? I suspect the chicks of this late nest might have it. I was concerned about not seeing the chicks out on the porch since it was their 27th day and it was so hot. I looked up with the binoculars and could see one chick with its head out. It looked fatigued and noticed its eyes not wide and bright as they should be. I noticed some fluffiness around the eyes. I contacted a rehabber that had once sent a picture of a clutch from a nearby colony that had Avian Pox. Any one familiar with it? She said that there was not much that can be done and that she had to euthanize all those chicks. I’ll lower the house tomorrow and check. Maybe I’m wrong. Any thoughts on this? Thanks, Brent.

[Conrad Baker]

Never heard of it, but now something more to worry about besides the extreme heat, mites, jumpers, starlings, sparrows, hawks, owls, snakes, raccoons, neighborhood cats, and kids with bb guns BUT I will keep an eye out for it.

[Bird Brain]

Probably similar to chicken pox since chickens are of the avian species. I can't think of a single "pox" that is deadly. Humans catch chicken pox once and are immune for life thereafter. Probably the same for martins. The heat alone will make life challenging for you martin chicks. Governments have a history of spreading panic and overreacting to diseases. Remember the recent Monkey Pox scare? I wouldn't slaughter my martin flock if the government told me to. But that's just me. If you do, I doubt you'll have a colony next year.

[brent]

I nest checked and there is one chick with what looks like lesions around the eyes, like swelling. And some areas around the beak looked affected. One chick hid its head so I couldn’t see while I was able to see the 3rd chick and it looked fine. I noticed that the little one whose eyes were affected would follow its mom as she flew in to feed them. So I know it could see, at least to some degree. Today one fledged that I can confirm. Then later I saw that it had returned. I think they’ll all fledge by Sunday. The chicks look very healthy otherwise. Every morning I have 20 and more martins. This morning many followed that little fledgling. They’re here to help. Just awesome!

[Thomas Maddox]

That's good news Brent. Is this the latest fledging ever for you?

[brent]

This one tied with a late fledging of 4 on/around 7-25-23. In both cases momma is the real hero. They still fly in late in the evening and momma is with them. I swear I think she tucks them in then flys off only to wake them up in the morning. It’s a great experience. And I must add that the little with the affected eyes is quite an awesome flyer and I think it’s the fattest one!!!

[Martintown33]

That’s great news Brent! I’m glad it all worked well!
Congrats
Rob