Lethargic chick with sneezing problem

[Zachary Lauritsen]

My 3 week old chick is sneezing every couple seconds and now she is looking a bit lethargic. My other two chicks sneeze less constantly but still noticeable. Ive been cleaning there brooder every day and changed the bedding to wood chips, which are less dust so I don't think its brooder pneumonia. There is no mucousy eyes and no nasal discharge. I cant find any illness with just prolific sneezing. Anyone know what this may be???

 

[Eggcessive]

It is probably from dust in the bedding or feed, but some respiratory diseases such as mycoplasma or infectious bronchitis can show up as early as 3 weeks if they have been exposed to other chickens or wild birds who have been carriers. Where did the birds come from, hatchery, breeder, or did you hatch? Mycoplasma (MG) can be transmitted through the hatching egg in some cases. Make sure that they are drinking plenty of water.

 

[Zachary Lauritsen]

They came from a hatchery but have not been exposed to any other birds. Can dust cause a lethargic chicken? If it is mycoplasma what are some treatments?

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be lethargic if not eating or drinking. Is there any diarrhea or blood in poop? Coccidiosis can cause lethargy, as can respiratory diseases. Tylan 50 can be given orally to help treat mycoplasma (MG,) but it will not treat a virus, such as infectious bronchitis. Corid is the treatment for coccidiosis. Since chicks drink poorly, so push fluids

 

[Zachary Lauritsen]

There is no diarrhea to my knowledge but no bloody poop. She make the sound of poping rocks when she is not sneezing and does not seem to be drinking but is eating. Also shes wiping her beak on the ground.

 

[Eggcessive]

If you don’t mind giving her antibiotics, you can get the Tylan 50 injectable at your feed store, in the cattle section, and give 0.2 ml orally (remove needle from syringe) 3 times a day for up to 5 days. Some probiotics in the diet or a tsp of plain yogurt in the food daily during and after antibiotics would be good.

 

[Zachary Lauritsen]

what type of antibiotics? Is there any natural way to deal with respiratory issues?

 

[Eggcessive]

Tylan 50 is an antibiotic which treats mycoplasma (MG.) Some use Vet Rx which is basically herbal oils, and claim they get good results, but I have never used it.

 

[Zachary Lauritsen]

Thank you so much for your help. I have one more question, should I isolate her from the others?

 

[Eggcessive]

They probably have all been exposed at the same time, so I think that it might stress her too much to isolate her. But take care that she is not picked on by the others. Offer her fluids frequently, and vitamins/electrolytes can be added. NutriDrench, a couple of drops daily would provide those.