Not Emergency but Sneezing chicks - UPDATE STILL SNEEZING

[schnebbles]

I got 3 chicks last week and they had been outside at their home. I'd have to look how old but they are under 6 weeks, one is only a couple weeks. So since they had been outside, I kept them out with mine and even kept the heat light on at night in my coop just in case b/c nights have been high 30's/low 40's.

I just changed out my sand yesterday in the coop - I had used some of that sand in tubes that they sell more for weight in the back of trucks I think. Got at Lowes. Anyhow, the silkies (these chicks who are sneezing) got all dirty so I switched it out to 100% playsand. At which time I noticed just how dirty/dusty the other was. I don't think they stir up a lot of dust tho bc they only sleep in coop.

so, my question is, should I treat these little ones with VetRx or Duramycin (all i can get today) or just keep them in the house for now and see if they quit sneezing? They are eating and drinking fine. I think the ground being chilly might have been too much for them, not necessarily the night temps b/c they would sleep with my bigger chicks and probably stayed almost warmer at night than during the early morning/evening when ground temps started getting cool.

I hope no one yells at me, I thought I was doing everything ok since they were already out in her coop.

I've read treat and not treat so I'm not sure. That's my main question.

edit: I did just put some ACV in their water and some in the crumbles/water that they like.

Thank you!

 

[Judy]

Since you noticed how dusty the litter was, I would guess this is the cause. It also happens with some frequency when brooders don't get enough fresh air, and the air gets dusty.

 

[schnebbles]

Thank you. I moved them inside in a med size cat carrier for now (have cats so have to make sure they are safe) and they have been sitting in front of me all day and I still see a couple sneezes but not near like it was.

I'm not going to medicate just yet since I've read that it's best not to use antibiotics unless really necessary.

 

[Noobchick]

I agree- very occasional sneezing is normal. Keep an eye out for severe runny noses, puffy eyes, droopy heads and tails, not eating or deinking. Otherwise, it's probably just them clearing out a little dust or pollen.

 

[schnebbles]

Good. I can't believe how dusty that sand was. I noticed it when I poured it in but figured it would settle and be ok. I am keeping close watch and have seen nothing but the sneezing.

I feel bad they are in a small space but it won't be for long hopefully.

 

[schnebbles]

My silkie chicks are still sneezing at a fairly high rate. Should I treat them or just wait a bit? They are back outside b/c it's much warmer now. They eat and drink fine, no symptoms except the sneezing.

 

[trsturself]

What did the person you got them from have for bedding in her coop? Since Silkies usually don't roost (there are exceptions but generally they prefer to sleep on the floor) they may be getting into the dust and sand more than your other chicks. If they didn't have sand before this new influx of dust may be irritating them.
I'm new to chickens so I'm just guessing here.

 

[ten chicks]

I got 3 chicks last week and they had been outside at their home. I'd have to look how old but they are under 6 weeks, one is only a couple weeks. So since they had been outside, I kept them out with mine and even kept the heat light on at night in my coop just in case b/c nights have been high 30's/low 40's.

I just changed out my sand yesterday in the coop - I had used some of that sand in tubes that they sell more for weight in the back of trucks I think. Got at Lowes. Anyhow, the silkies (these chicks who are sneezing) got all dirty so I switched it out to 100% playsand. At which time I noticed just how dirty/dusty the other was. I don't think they stir up a lot of dust tho bc they only sleep in coop.

so, my question is, should I treat these little ones with VetRx or Duramycin (all i can get today) or just keep them in the house for now and see if they quit sneezing? They are eating and drinking fine. I think the ground being chilly might have been too much for them, not necessarily the night temps b/c they would sleep with my bigger chicks and probably stayed almost warmer at night than during the early morning/evening when ground temps started getting cool.

I hope no one yells at me, I thought I was doing everything ok since they were already out in her coop.

I've read treat and not treat so I'm not sure. That's my main question.

edit: I did just put some ACV in their water and some in the crumbles/water that they like.

Thank you!

Did you put silkies with your existing chickens? Or are silkies quarantined from rest of chickens? How old are your other chickens? I would be concerned with putting silkies that young with older hens. Always good idea to quarantine any new chicks for at least a month. That way you will hopefully be aware of any medical issues before contaminating entire flock/new chicks.Are any of your other chickens sneezing? My silkies at 4 weeks,still like it warm in their brooder.

 

[realsis]

I agree with the above post. outside may be too cold.

 

[schnebbles]

I know they weren't in sand at her house.

All of my chickens are very young - but I did put them all together. No one has been picked on. Top age on any of my current ones is 3 months.The silkies are the youngest, I'm guessing now 4-5 weeks on 2 and a little over 2 weeks on the baby. I put that one out b/c she said it was out of the brooder, but then temps got cold and I thought my heat in the coop would be ok but I have a feeling the bulb was too high up to keep them really warm when it got down to low 40's or maybe even in the 30's a couple nights. I don't think they were sneezing when I brought them home.

So, it's very warm out now so I thought since they were out at their previous house, it would be ok to put them out here. 85 today and 75 tonight and I can leave the coop light on to warm it up just a little.

But I still need to know if I should just still keep an eye on them or treat them?

I really don't think it's the sand.

No one else is sneezing, only the silkies, one more than the others.

Thank you!