Chicks sneezing and nasal discharge

[SchruteFarms]

This is the first time I’ve ordered chicks, I usually only order eggs. The 16 chicks arrived Thursday in perfect condition but after about 2 days I noticed they are sneezing a bit and a couple have a tiny bit of nasal discharge. Today, I noticed one sounds like it has a little bit of chest congestion. Activity and appetite is great on all of them. Could it be from the stress of travel? Is there anything I can do for them? They get Scratch and Peck chick starter and probiotics and vitamins in their water. I’ve noticed runny poop and one poop with a bit of red so I would like to start corid as a precaution, but want to hold off until I know the respiratory issues won’t get worse when I stop vitamins.

I’m worried because now one is sounded congesting while breathing. It is still acting normal, eating and drinking. Could this be an illness I need to treat?

Also, this is the first time I’ve used a brooder plate instead of a heat lamp and I’m worried it’s not staying warm enough for them at night. They are in my garage which gets down to about 50 degrees. I will use heat lamp tonight to make sure but wanted to mention this incase.

 

[A.M. Eggs]

Might need more heat. With that many chicks and a cold garage at night, you might want to just keep it a little warmer. They might have little colds!

 

[ChickenGal1842]

Ground ginger can act as an immune booster for chickens and chicks (also ducks). You could put a pinch of that in their water or food every time you change the food or water. Ginger also eases congestion. I haven't tried it but I saw that lots of people have said it does. Can't hurt to try!!! And the sneezing could also be from new shavings or cold.

 

[SchruteFarms]

Might need more heat. With that many chicks and a cold garage at night, you might want to just keep it a little warmer. They might have little colds!

That’s honestly what I’m hoping is the issues and that it’s nothing more! I will use heat lamp for their area plus the brooder plate tonight so they stay warmer! Thank you

 

[SchruteFarms]

Ground ginger can act as an immune booster for chickens and chicks (also ducks). You could put a pinch of that in their water or food every time you change the food or water. Ginger also eases congestion. I haven't tried it but I saw that lots of people have said it does. Can't hurt to try!!! And the sneezing could also be from new shavings or cold.

I’ve always had sneezy chicks with pine shavings, so that’s what I thought it was initially. I will add the ginger! And more heat. I’m new to the brooder plate so I didn’t know if that would really be enough heat. Thank you!

 

[SchruteFarms]

Just went out this morning. I put a space heater out there and it maintained 70+ degrees last night in the garage. They were out standing on the heat plate when I went outside. All active and eating/drinking. I did notice red tinted poop this morning though so I started corid immediately. Can coccididosis cause respiratory symptoms? I’ve never experienced that with coccididosis.

This morning, one sneezed and clear liquid came out of its nose. It almost looks like saliva? Any thoughts? I’m so worried they have a respiratory disease and I’ll have to cull so I don’t infect my whole flock. And these chicks are new breeds I just got.

 

[SchruteFarms]

If anyone has any info, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post some photos of the poop, the chicks and your brooder?

How often are the sneezing? Anything in the garage that could be an irritant-gas/oil, fumes, etc. Are you using any cleaners/air fresheners that may be irritating?
What is the mill date on your feed, is it fairly fresh?
Did they come from a hatchery or a breeder?

Sneezing with a discharge is concerning, but you will want to rule out environment first. Puppy pads instead of shavings may help you determine if bedding is the cause. Anything you may be using to clean with, eliminate that as well.