Reducing brooder dust to avoid sneezing?

[Elliemae1984]

I have four silkie chicks (about 2 weeks old now) and 2 out of the 4 of them have started sneezing - one more than the other. No other symptoms - eyes are clear, no discharge from nostrils, eating and drinking, active, pooping well, etc.

I’ve searched the forum and have seen most responses to similar past questions say it’s likely due to dust. As a *brand new* chick mom I’m wondering if there’s anything that can be done to reduce dust and eliminate the sneezing…or if it’s sort of natural and just something to key an eye on.

My brooder is a good size, open top, pine shavings as bedding, temp around 85-90, and I clean it (and the feeders) each morning. If that’s all that should be done and I’m just being a paranoid “new mom” please let me know haha. Pic of brooder below.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Is your coop ready for them? If so, then brood them outside where they have a lot more fresh air.

 

[Elliemae1984]

Welcome To BYC

Is your coop ready for them? If so, then brood them outside where they have a lot more fresh air.

My coop is ready but I live in Ontario and we are having cool and pretty wet weather right now. The coop is ventilated well but would the overall dampness in the air cause a problem?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What do you consider cool?

Chickens are going to be in cool, damp, hot and humid weather when outside.

If your coop is dry, has good ventilation and they have protection from the elements, then they should be fine outside with their heat plate.

If you aren't comfortable doing that, then provide more ventilation for your brooder.

Are you using both a heat plate and heat lamp?
The brooder only needs one warm spot, let the rest be cool.

 

[BelovedBirds]

I have four silkie chicks (about 2 weeks old now) and 2 out of the 4 of them have started sneezing - one more than the other. No other symptoms - eyes are clear, no discharge from nostrils, eating and drinking, active, pooping well, etc.

I’ve searched the forum and have seen most responses to similar past questions say it’s likely due to dust. As a *brand new* chick mom I’m wondering if there’s anything that can be done to reduce dust and eliminate the sneezing…or if it’s sort of natural and just something to key an eye on.

My brooder is a good size, open top, pine shavings as bedding, temp around 85-90, and I clean it (and the feeders) each morning. If that’s all that should be done and I’m just being a paranoid “new mom” please let me know haha. Pic of brooder below.
View attachment 3256593

have you tried dust extracted wood shavings? You'd be surprised the difference it can make.

 

[Elliemae1984]

have you tried dust extracted wood shavings? You'd be surprised the difference it can make.

I didn’t even know there was such a thing. I will look into for sure!

I noticed the one sneezing the worst has a little runny nose this morning so I’m looking into what I should add to their water (like VetRx etc).

 

[BelovedBirds]

I didn’t even know there was such a thing. I will look into for sure!

I noticed the one sneezing the worst has a little runny nose this morning so I’m looking into what I should add to their water (like VetRx etc).

Not sure what the best thing is, but I think VetRX would be a good idea.
Let me @azygous and they may be able to advise.
Do their poops all look normal still?

You can usually find dust extracted pine shavings online, if not at the feedstore- I use them for my ducks, with no issues.

 

[Elliemae1984]

Not sure what the best thing is, but I think VetRX would be a good idea.
Let me @azygous and they may be able to advise.
Do their poops all look normal still?

You can usually find dust extracted pine shavings online, if not at the feedstore- I use them for my ducks, with no issues.

Poops are all still normal. Eating and drinking well still. Scratching and pecking away with the occasional zoomies lol.

Other than the sneezing (one doing it often, one doing it rarely) and the runny nose from the one sneezing often they appear fine.

I think I’ll start with the VetRx and keep monitoring them. I got them on Thursday evening so I’m wondering if it could also have something to do with stress of moving. Hopefully it will resolve with time and not get worse!

 

[bhaugh]

Wood pellets for animals work great. No dust until they break down then just scoop away