Chick sneezing and breathing hard

[babsi]

I have five chicks (11 days old) and one started sneezing today. A chirp with a head shake, I picked her up and she also looks like she has trouble breathing. Other than that she is acting ok. Any suggestions?

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Where did the chick come from--hatched by you, picked up at a feed store or local breeder, or shipped in the mail? How is your brooder ventilation, and is there any wet or moldy areas in the bedding? Brooder pneumonia from mold (aspergillosis) can be common from water spills in bedding, but also respiratory diseases can be passed on from older chickens who may be carriers. I would get some antibiotic such oxytetracycline or Tylan powder to treat the water in case of a respiratory infection. Tylan 50 injectable may also be used just for the sick chick, given by mouth, 1/8 ml-1/4 ml given twice a day for 3-5 days.

 

[babsi]

Got them from a local breeder, the watered spilled all over last week, but I replaced the cardboard boxes. Where can I get the medication?

 

[babsi]

I just called a feed store and they have terracycline. I guess I'll get it and treat all. It's the best solution I have

 

[Eggcessive]

Most feed stores stock oxytetracycline, tetracycline, Tylan and others. The wet bedding could have been a problem, but many breeder farms can also have diseases from carriers who may not show symptoms. If you lose a chick, you can get a necropsy by the state vet or local extension agent to find out what they could have. MG is a possibility, and aspergillosis from mold in wet bedding could be another.

 

[babsi]

I went to where I got them and they gave me corid to add to the water. I don't think it's helping and I'm not too pleased with how they responded to my questions. She looks worse. Feed stores are closed now. I hate seeing her like this and just hope she makes it overnight.