Paranoid??

[Anapsid]

After a year I’m still a paranoid new chicken Mom. Forever worrying that every sneeze is a dreaded attack of respiratory illness.

I have a 1.5 year old hen I’m worried about. She’s eating, drinking, terrorizing the youngsters and acting normally (her version anyhow). I spent way more time than usual today just hanging out with them and she sneezed one time with some wetness around her nares. Is this normal moisture from the act of sneezing or discharge indicative of disease?

Is every wet sneeze a reason for me to wring my hands and lose sleep?

Also, I read somewhere on this site that daily green treats can cause illness as they hens are not getting the proper balanced nutrition of pellets??? Is this true? Mine get to range around eating bugs and lizards and weeds...I certainly don’t want to kill them with kindness.

Advice from all you experienced keepers is so appreciated!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mine free range too. I feed a higher protein ration to help balance it out. Free range birds are actually less apt to have problems than confined birds who are solely at the whims of the keeper.

Chickens do occasionally sneeze without it being a problem. If you're concerned I would get a hold of the bird and have a listen for any rattling or wheezing.

 

[Anapsid]

I grabbed her immediately after the sneeze and had a listen. I didn’t hear anything concerning. I’ve also been out to check on her several times since I posted the question and she seems ok.

What do you supplement with to increase protein? They do have access to layer pellets in addition to whatever goodies they find for themselves.

 

[dawg53]

I grabbed her immediately after the sneeze and had a listen. I didn’t hear anything concerning. I’ve also been out to check on her several times since I posted the question and she seems ok.

What do you supplement with to increase protein? They do have access to layer pellets in addition to whatever goodies they find for themselves.

Practice biosecurity and just feed them the proper feed and provide clean fresh water. I think you're doing a good job so far, dont worry.

 

[Anapsid]

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I grabbed her immediately after the sneeze and had a listen. I didn’t hear anything concerning. I’ve also been out to check on her several times since I posted the question and she seems ok.

What do you supplement with to increase protein? They do have access to layer pellets in addition to whatever goodies they find for themselves.

I feed a higher protein ration. Most layers are 16%. Some are now making an 18%. I feed an 18% all flock ration, and provide a separate bowl of oyster shells for the calcium needs. That slight higher protein keeps my girls from becoming deficient. I also feed them back a lot of eggs because I get so many.

 

[Anapsid]

Thanks for the response. I feed back some eggs too and give meal worms. I’ve only been keeping chickens for a year and really don’t know much.
I’ve had all sorts of mammals as pets and livestock...birds are so different. I guess I worry because as their keeper it’s my responsibility to the very best I can for them.
Anyways, thank you for the help and suggestions.

 

[Anapsid]

What commercial feed do you use?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What commercial feed do you use?

I use a product made in the Midwest. I know Purina sells a flock raised that I read is good.