There have been several threads about congestion in chickens, but I can't seem to find one that suits my situation. I have six chickens left that I got from a hatchery. I have other chickens, too, but I raised these ones. There are two of those chickens that sound congested and sneezy. They just started laying at 7 months old, they have nice red wattles, they have nice poop, they eat and drink. They don't free range, but they have a grassy yard that they go in during the day along with a good sized run. I put a little acv in the water on occasion and that is really all they get aside from some veggie snacks, scratch and feed. Other than this congestion sound, they seem really healthy. I don't want to give them antibiotics if they are okay. It has been going on for about two months and I keep watching for them to get sick, but...nothing. Any thoughts? I know you aren't vets, but is it possible for a couple of chicks to just be sneezy and congested sounding for life?
Well, every chicken has it's voice, but it might be something simaller to a cold. If they're eating and drinking fine, I wouldn't worry about it. If it worsens, or if you notice coughing or sneezing, give them some antibiotics. Im no vet, but that should do the trick. Hope this helps.
You may have had a case of infectious bronchitis going through your flock. It is a virus that causes sneezing and some clear nasal drainage. Some hens will stop laying or lay wrinkled eggs from this, and it lasts about 6 weeks. There are other diseases such as myoplasma (MG,) coryza, and ILT that can have worse symptoms. Moldy wet conditions, dust from feed and bedding, and ammonia odor from droppings can also cause sneezing. Below are some links about IB, and a link to common poultry diseases to compare symptoms of the other respiratory diseases: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/78/infectious-bronchitis-ib http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/pou...view_of_infectious_bronchitis_in_poultry.html http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044