Possible Coryza but would like some info from the wise!!

[collmichelle]

Hi there. We have 6 chicks ages ranging from 4-8 weeks. Our maran roo was hatched in a classroom, 3 silkies and 1 frizzle bought from the same local feed store and one Brown Leghorn from a different feed store. Everyone but the brown leghorn has a very slight odor around their face and has had it for around 3 weeks.I thought maybe they were rolling around in a dirty spot Everyone is eating fine, drinking, playing and acting normal. The frizzle had one eye closed for 5 days..a week ago but I just thought she got pecked in the eye so I put vetricyn and saline solution on it and she is fine now. no one else has any eye issues or looks out of sorts. There is nothing but clear fluid coming from the Roo just sometimes and he sneezes once in a while usually after I wipe his nose to get a closer look but nothing major and he is lively. I just got worried about the slight smell from all the stuff I had read on here. The leghorn doesn't smell at all and has no issues. These are pets and one day for eggs so I would rather give them treatment than cull as I wont be adding anymore. Any advice or rec's on how to find out for sure what they might have and if their conditions warrant anything at all. Should I call the feed store where I got the 4..they may be the source. We are new to chickens so I am being overly cautious about everything and just want them to live a happy life. thanks a bunch!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

It's good of you to watch them closely and be concerned. I have treated coryza, but I would think that it would be much worse than what you are seeing. They will usually have swollen runny eyes with pus, and thick nasal secretions, and diarrhea with coryza. I would make sure they have very good ventilation in their coop since stagnant air, dust, and ammonia fumes can promote respiratory diseases. At this age I would watch them closely for coccidiosis, and continue to observe them for any additional respiratory symptoms. Putting vitamins and probiotics in their water will help to increase their immunity to diseases. Rooster Booster from Tractor Supply and other stores makes one called Vitamins With Lactobacillus which is easy to use. If you suspect coryza later on, Sulfadimethoxine or Di-Methox will treat it, and well as treat coccidiosis. Here is a good link to read about common respiratory diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[collmichelle]

Thanks Eggscessive!! I hope you are right. I will start the vitamins and keep an eye out. My son and I gave them baths yesterday and we clean their coop almost everyday to keep it fresh. it is quite large and they are in the yard pecking around half the day. We gave them baths yesterday to see if it was just "them" and the smell seems to have diminished a bit today. crossing my fingers that I am just being a worried overprotective "hen" over my new babies

 

[Eggcessive]

Chickens tend to be a little more stinky when they get out on grass from the brooder stage from my experience. If you ever notice any lethargy, puffing up, diarrhea, or poor appetite, watch out for coccidiosis. Good luck with the chicks.

 

[welasharon]

I've had coryza once. It smelled like old road kill. Makes you gag.