My chicks are sneezing....

[ChickenClaire]

I just got my chicks from the farmers feed and supply store and when I brought them home, I noticed they were sneezing every once in a while. Is that normal or are they sick? They seem perfectly healthy otherwise.
Thanks

 

[salt and pepper]

Welcome To BYC!!! Are they in the brooder, or outside? If they are outside, then the change of seasons will sometimes make your birds sneeze, as long as their nose isn't runny, and they aren't wheezing, then they are fine. If they are in the brooder, wood shavings are DUSTY and that's probably why they are sneezing =)

 

[ChickenClaire]

Thanks they are in the brooder so the wood shavings are probably it. Should I change the brand of bedding I use or is it ok if I keep on using it?

 

[redsoxs]

To be safe you might want to post in the sick chickens forum below. Hope they get to feeling better! Best wishes.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

 

[chickenpooplady]

from Ohio and God Bless!!!

 

[ChickenClaire]

Thank you!

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[cafarmgirl]

It's normal for chicks and chickens to sneeze occasionally in response to dust or other particles, just like the rest of us! When chickens are sick they usually have a wet sneeze, maybe a runny nose, watery/foamy eye and sometimes a cough. They also usually don't feel well and may not be very active or eat much. Yours are probably fine.

 

[KayTee]

I got my girls as point of lay chooks, and one of them started sneezing shortly after they arrived. (No runny nose or eyes - just an occasional sneeze). When the other two started to sneeze as well, I panicked (being a newbie chicken owner) and I went to the vet, who gave me antibiotic powder for them. I now regret using it, as I had to throw the eggs away for a fortnight, and although they seemed to sneeze less afterwards, it hasn't stopped it completely. I feel it was a waste of time and money, and just completely unnecessary.

I think it's a combination of chilly weather and dust (they have wood ash in their dust bath) that causes them to sneeze. They all have an occasional sneeze once or twice a week (that I hear, although it could be a bit more since I'm not with them all the time), but since they all seem in perfect health otherwise, and are laying well (although Rusty's broody at the moment), I'm not worried any more. In the absence of runny noses / eyes or other symptoms I would be inclined to leave well alone and just monitor them.

 

[liz9910]

hope your chicks are ok.