29/09/2026
For layers, fowl pox is very important — it drops egg production badly if you miss it.
Here is the simple standard program for layers:
*WHEN to vaccinate:*
- *1st dose:* 4 - 6 weeks old
- *Booster (2nd dose):* 12 - 14 weeks old, before they start laying. This one is the most important for layers.
- If you are in a high-risk area (many mosquitoes / previous outbreak in your farm), some vets do it at 3 weeks then again at 12 weeks.
pox
*HOW it’s done - Wing Web method:*
It's not injected in the breast or drinking water like other vaccines. It's a wing stab.
1. *Buy vaccine:* Fowl pox vaccine comes with diluent + a two-pronged needle/applicator inside.
2. *Mix:* Mix the dry pellet with the diluent. Use it within 1-2 hours, keep on ice.
3. *Catch bird:* Hold chick and spread one wing open.
4. *Stab:* Dip the two-pronged needle into the mixed vaccine, then pierce through the thin skin of the wing web (the bald part between the bones). Don't hit feather, bone or blood vessel. One stab is enough.
5. *Check:* After 7-10 days, you should see a small swelling/scab where you stabbed — that means it took. If no scab, revaccinate that bird.
*Important rules:*
- Vaccinate only healthy birds. Don't vaccinate sick or weak ones.
- Do it early morning, less stress.
- Don't spill vaccine on feathers — it won't work and will cause fake scabs.
- Mosquitoes spread fowl pox a lot, so control mosquitoes around brooder.
- Burn the leftover mixed vaccine, don't save for tomorrow.
If you have never done wing-web before, ask your vet / agro-vet to show you first time. One mistake can injure the wing.
