broody hen that's sneezing with new chicks

[poseygirl12]

I have a hen in a separate small coop that was sitting on eggs. Three of them have hatched today with more to come. My question is, the momma started sneezing a few days ago. she has a discharge when she sneezes. her coop area is kept very clean. did she sick from sitting on eggs for so long? Will her peeps get it?? What do I do for the momma and peeps? Thanks

 

[chooks4life]

Sitting on eggs won't make her sick, that's a symptom of a weak immune system, which ironically can be due to overly clean coops. Chances are it's something contagious and you can probably bet on the chicks getting it if that's the case.

I would give her freshly minced raw garlic mixed with the grains or whatever, and the same for the chicks. In the short term you can add it to her/their water. It's a very potent natural antibiotic and will help with the respiratory issue.

I'd also get agricultural lime, the same stuff you can feed them, and sprinkle it over the floor in case it's fungi causing her to sneeze. The lime kills harmful bacteria and if there's an overdose of cocci in the dirt it will help with that too.

Best wishes.

 

[poseygirl12]

Thank you so much for the help. I will go get the garlic and lime. Is it possible that the DE I put in the coops and nesting boxes caused this?

 

[chooks4life]

Thank you so much for the help. I will go get the garlic and lime. Is it possible that the DE I put in the coops and nesting boxes caused this?

Yes, if you did so recently. Any powder will make them sneeze if it gets into their respiratory system, though.

That said, I've used DE in dirtbathing areas and they kick up enormous clouds and don't sneeze and there's no discharge, so I'd consider this probably an illness. Best to treat it like one just in case, as long as you're not using harmful things without a proper diagnosis. Even if she's sneezing due to DE the garlic will help, it clears out the respiratory system and prevents and treats infections.

They may not like the taste of garlic at first but most new things are an acquired taste. It should still help.

Best wishes.

 

[poseygirl12]

thanks again. i did use the DE within the last week. I will use the garlic and lime. Don't want anything to happen to Princess or her babies.