2 Week Old Chick is Sneezing

[so lucky]

She is still eating, no nasal discharge than I can see, and her eyes are clear. She does seem kind of lethargic, but not in a stupor. She has been the smallest of a group of 8 mixed chicks from the start. They are inside, with a heat lamp, in a box large enough to get away from the heat when they want. Should I get some meds from the farm store? What would be best, considering the other birds aren't showing symptoms (yet)?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would make sure that your brooder bedding is dry and as clean as possible. Dust in the bedding and feed, mold from water spills can cause respiratory issues. Maintain good air circulation overhead. She may have a virus such as infectious bronchitis that is making her sneeze. But MG or mycoplasma is a bacterial disease spread by carriers and through some hatching eggs. It can be treated but not cured, with Tylan 50 injectable. It has to be drawn up with a syringe and needle, rhen remove the needle to give it orally. Dosage is 0.25 ml per pound given orally 3 times a day for 3 to 5 days. Some people like to use Vet Rx an herbal oil with camphor to see if it helps.

 

[so lucky]

Thanks, Eggcessive, for your expert advice. Checking on the chicks this morning, I didn't hear or see the little one sneezing. She actually seemed to be a little more feisty, elbowing her way in to get the scrambled egg I gave them. But I think I will get some of the Vet RX, just to have on hand if I need it.

 

[danceswithronin]

I've only run into this once (one chick with a bit of a sneeze but active with no other symptoms) so I did a really good cleaning of the coop and run with fresh bedding/straw, threw some oregano and thyme minced up with a little garlic in some yogurt for them, and put a little apple cider vinegar in their water (after scrubbing waterers and feeders out really good both, with soap) and it just resolved itself with no other meds.

 

[so lucky]

Ah! I can try this. Thanks! I already do put a little bit of ACV in their water.