Input on sneezing chick

[capow21]

I have a yellow Ameraucana that seems to sneeze quite often. I've been reading about whether sneezing is at all normal and I'm not sure what to think. Their brooder was a 6ft diameter swimming pool in a 12'x12' spare bedroom. They were in that for just over six weeks. She started to sneeze more often at about five weeks old. I changed their bedding twice a week. Each time I would change the pine shavings she seemed to sneeze until the dust settled. So I would open one of the windows for a bit. They are now almost 8 weeks old and about a week ago I moved them outside into their chicken tractor. The tractor is well ventilated with two vents on both ends and two doors that have screens doors that we leave open all day and lock up at night. A few of the others sneeze from time to time, but she still sneezes the most often. Although less now that they're outside. There doesn't seem to be any discharge, she doesn't sound raspy or congested and she's acted like herself the whole time.

I read about all of the benefits of river sand as a coop floor covering and I live right on a river, so I went and got my own river sand and dried it and that's what I'm using in the coop. I wanted to eliminate dust as much as possible, because I'm allergic to it and I know it can't be good for the chickens either. I'm planning to just mist it with water in the summer if it gets dusty.

Any suggestions on the matter?

Should I treat her with something just to be safe in case it's a respiratory problem? Is there anything that would be safe to use where I could treat all of them rather than having to separate her? A few others sneeze from time to time. AND, if it's not a respiratory problem would it still be safe to treat her, or must you know for sure it's a respiratory infection?

I just read an article on chicken aromatherapy and the benefits of herbs. I grow many of the herbs that are suggested. According to the article herbs work as insecticides, have anti-bacterial properties, act as natural wormers, anti-parasitic, rodent control, stress relievers, and laying stimulates. Plus they make the coop smell nicer and are pretty in the nest boxes. It says the benefits of Basil is an antibacterial and mucus membrane health. Dill supports respiratory health. Oregano combats Coccidia, salmonella, and infectious bronchitis. Rosemary benefits respiratory health, as well as Thyme.

Anyone have experience using the herbs? Could just adding some vitamins to their water or food help? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[BuffOrpington88]

She may have a cold. I have heard of putting a little garlic in the water or in a favorite treat.

 

[Nicole01]

I use poly vi sol vitamins without iron and probios to treat respiratory issues. I use amoxicillian as a last resort. Last year I had brooder pnemounia within my small flock. I actually put the vitamins down the beak 2 times a day with antibiotics and probiotics in some wet feed. Most people would cull, but I'm not breeding. My girls are for eggs. They all lived. Their symptoms were sneezing every 2 seconds, fluffed feathers, gasping for air motion nonstop, not moving much and gurgling in their nose.

Sneezing like that I'd use vitamins in their water. I treat healthy chicks with vitamins and probios to get them a good start in life.

Good luck.

 

[capow21]

Okay, I'm going to try the vitamins. Thank you.