Chicks wiping beaks on ground/sneezing?

[cmlew99]

Hello everyone, I have three week old chicks at the moment. I've been giving them yogurt and eggs on a board once a day upon advice from a fellow user. I really want to keep them healthy, as I just lost two chicks in a row from some sort of sickness or disease. They all of a sudden got really lethargic, huddled on the ground under the heat lamp, and couldn't eat or drink. Within an hour or two, they passed away, much to my devastation. Has anyone ever experienced this, or does anyone have any idea what it is and if its spreadable?

The real purpose to this post, is to ask about some of the behavior of my chicks. I've noticed that they've been wiping their beaks on whatever surface available, quickly dipping their heads down and seemingly trying to get rid of something on their beaks. Every once in a while, they make a sneeze like sound. Other than this, they are completely healthy. I can't tell if I'm being paranoid, or if its some sort of neurological thing? Is it something I should worry about, and is there anything I can do?

I have them on fine pine shavings, with medicated (coccidiosis) chick starter, water, their heat source is an Eco Glow. I just want to make sure they are comfy, and healthy. Please help me out!!

 

[GaChick34]

I'm brand new to the chicken world as well. I'm just as paranoid about every little thing, so your not alone there. My chicks are 3.5 weeks old and do the same thing. It's just how they clean their beaks from what I can tell. I'm nursing a sick chick back to health and have to give her medicated water in her food. It's pasty and messy so she is always wiping her beak while eating it. I've heard them sneeze once or twice. I assume it's from all the dust from the shavings, feathers, etc since they seem healthy otherwise.
Since I do have one sick chick, all of them are getting medication since the illnesses tend to spread easily among them. GL and hope everyone else stays healthy for you!

 

[red horse ranch]

Hello everyone, I have three week old chicks at the moment. I've been giving them yogurt and eggs on a board once a day upon advice from a fellow user. I really want to keep them healthy, as I just lost two chicks in a row from some sort of sickness or disease. They all of a sudden got really lethargic, huddled on the ground under the heat lamp, and couldn't eat or drink. Within an hour or two, they passed away, much to my devastation. Has anyone ever experienced this, or does anyone have any idea what it is and if its spreadable?

The real purpose to this post, is to ask about some of the behavior of my chicks. I've noticed that they've been wiping their beaks on whatever surface available, quickly dipping their heads down and seemingly trying to get rid of something on their beaks. Every once in a while, they make a sneeze like sound. Other than this, they are completely healthy. I can't tell if I'm being paranoid, or if its some sort of neurological thing? Is it something I should worry about, and is there anything I can do?

I have them on fine pine shavings, with medicated (coccidiosis) chick starter, water, their heat source is an Eco Glow. I just want to make sure they are comfy, and healthy. Please help me out!!

It's easy to get paranoid after you've lost a few. The only thing I can think of is the dust from the pine shavings is getting in their nose.
As far as the first two that died, I know if they get seriously chilled, such as during shipment, that they can die up to 10 days later. And the symptoms sounds like that might have been the problem. But it should have happened when they were younger if that was the problem.
Hopefully some others on here might have ideas that could help you.

 

[Kambrie]

Hello everyone, I have three week old chicks at the moment. I've been giving them yogurt and eggs on a board once a day upon advice from a fellow user. I really want to keep them healthy, as I just lost two chicks in a row from some sort of sickness or disease. They all of a sudden got really lethargic, huddled on the ground under the heat lamp, and couldn't eat or drink. Within an hour or two, they passed away, much to my devastation. Has anyone ever experienced this, or does anyone have any idea what it is and if its spreadable?

The real purpose to this post, is to ask about some of the behavior of my chicks. I've noticed that they've been wiping their beaks on whatever surface available, quickly dipping their heads down and seemingly trying to get rid of something on their beaks. Every once in a while, they make a sneeze like sound. Other than this, they are completely healthy. I can't tell if I'm being paranoid, or if its some sort of neurological thing? Is it something I should worry about, and is there anything I can do?

I have them on fine pine shavings, with medicated (coccidiosis) chick starter, water, their heat source is an Eco Glow. I just want to make sure they are comfy, and healthy. Please help me out!!

It kind of sounds like Coccidiosis to me. Medicated food helps prevent it, but it doesn't always work.
Chicks are very fragile, and some just don't have the drive to live. I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Saerasx]

hmmm...my chicks are right around the 4 week mark, and I also have them on pine shavings along with an eco glow. im feeding scratch and peck's starter (unmedicated) and have been adding organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with "the mother") to their water.

They have been totally healthy with the exception of a few pasty butt episodes in the first few days that I had them. I havent had any other health issues and normal droppings. However, they also will sometimes sneeze and rub their beaks- Ive always thought it looked like they were scratching an itch.

I havent seen them be lethargic ever, with the exception of normal nap/bedtime. We are brooding them in our upstairs guest bathtub so its naturally more toasty up there because they are one floor up- maybe its an even heat issue? I know that they love the heat plate but I have also caught them sleeping futher away these days.

I suppose Im really no help, but this is what I have been doing, and it sounds like we have similar set ups.

 

[sharihern]

Mine wipe their beaks on the ground every once in awhile. They used to do it a lot more when they were younger, but not as much now. They are 6-7 wks old. I just assumed it was them getting something off of their beaks. They would do it after playing or drinking.

As for yours being sick... I don't know about that. Sorry. I'm new on this so i'm not much help with that. Good luck!!

 

[cmlew99]

Thanks for the responses everyone! I hope it isn't Coccidiosis- I really, really hope it doesn't spread. I cleaned out the shavings when the second one passed away, just in case. I'm glad others have experienced this sneezing thing! @Saerasx, it sounds like we do have similar brooder set ups- mine are near my kitchen, in a hallway. I'm glad your babies are healthy, and hope they stay that way!

 

[cmlew99]

Also, if anyone is still looking at this thread, I noticed my little bantam easter egger trying to dart under my bigger, fluffy yellow chick (sorry, I don't know her breed) at bed time. It's almost like she thinks the yellow chick is her mama hen. Is she too cold do you think? I have the ecoglow on the lowest height level possible, and sometimes they snuggle up away from it...

 

[Kambrie]

My chicks used to do that all the time I think its super cute. I think chicks do it more for security reasons. Its normal

 

[Chickenwhisperr]

My girls are a year old now and they still wipe their beaks on the ground (or on my shoe, or each other). It seems to just be to clean off their beak.
I purchased my girls from TSC when they were a week old, so I didn't have shipping issues - but, I was just as panicked as you are. I kept my girls inside initially in a very large plastic tub with pine shavings, heat lamp and a wire cover. I just bought the chick starter they had at the store - I think it was Dumor. I've tried feeding them yogurt, but they just have never been interested in it. When they were a few weeks old we started giving them crickets from the pet store for a treat. It's hysterical to see them zoom around catching crickets.
Hang in there! I just love being a Chicken Mom!