Are my chickens sick?

[chickens112]

well i have about 10 cochins that are about 24 weeks old so they should be laying soon. One thing that i have been noticing is that they sneeze a lot. I dont know why. They seem to be really active and as healthy as a ox but they sneeze. Their eyes are not watery and i havent noticed any nasal discharge. So do u think it could be from the dust or are they sick and do i need to treat them for CRD with antibiotics?

 

[miss_jayne]

chickens do sneeze occasionally, just like we do to clear the nose.

if they are only sneezing occasionally, after eating, dust bathing etc., let them be. if you hear gurgling, coughing, listlessness, then take action.


welcome to BYC!

ETA the welcome

 

[chickens112]

thanks. one more question if they are sick will it keep them from laying. They also pant but i think it is from the heat and i put them on vitamins and electrolytes yesterday. I have one pullet that makes a sound when it is panting but thats it. it does not pant all the time just during the heat of the day like the rest.

 

[silkiechicken]

They are probably just fine. Heat can make them pant a lot and over drink water and such. Since they are cochins, they might not lay till 6 months old... and then start setting...

 

[chickens112]

Thanks again. I'll just keep an eye on them.
I also have one banty frizzled rooster that is mature and has been mating continuously with one hen. so do u think she could be ready soon bc she does not try to get away like the others.

 

[silkiechicken]

She's probably at the bottom of the pecking order.

 

[chickens112]

No i dont think so she picks on some of the other ones when she thinks they are in her way. or in her dusting spot lol