Runny nose and sneezing

[Sansa2017]

Hi all,

We recently introduced a new hen to our flock. She seems to have a bit a runny nose and sneezes quite a bit. But otherwise she seems pretty healthy.

I read that this could be a serious respiratory desease which is highly contagious. However, after 2 weeks in the flock, the rest of the members seem to be ok.

Also this lady's whole body smells pretty bad. Not sure if this due to lack of dirt bath (we didn't offer bathing facility until recently) or due to the desease.

Any idea what she might have? Thanks in advance

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Sansa2017 Welcome To BYC

Do you have vet care available?
How long has it been since she was introduced to your flock?
There's a number of things it could be.Respiratory disease, irritation from dry/dusty or moldy feed and bedding, ammonia toxicity or poor ventilation are a few of the common causes of sneezing with mucous.

Without testing there is no way to know for sure what she has. Infectious Bronchitis, Mycoplasma, Infectious Coryza and ILT are fairly common respiratory diseases. Most have similar symptoms like coughing, sneezing, mucous/runny nose, watery/bubbly eyes or conjunctivitis, facial swelling, lethargy and not eating/drinking well.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

If she has an odor - you need to investigate further where it's coming from - check her vent to see that it is clear of poop build up and that there is no irritation or break of the skin. While your at it, see if the smell is coming from her breath or the mucous that is coming from her nostrils. Look for any external parasites as well.
Usually it's not recommended to bathe a sick bird, but if you feel the odor comes from poor maintenance, the consider giving her a bath to see if the odor comes back. Bathe her in warm soapy water (use something like original Dawn) and dry her well - if it's hot in your location - place her in a sunny location, but where she has access to shade so she doesn't overheat.

Provide her with vitamins and see that she is eating well. Antibiotics can be used to help with secondary infections due to respiratory illness, but won't cure a disease. Most respiratory illnesses are contagious and make any birds that have been exposed, carriers even if they never show any symptoms. Since she was introduced to your flock and she is the only one that has become ill, it may be that your flock is the carrier and source of the illness, and not the other way around.

 

[Sansa2017]

Hi Wyorp Rock,

Thanks a lot for the detailed reply.

I went through the list of possible respiratory diseases and couldn't identify a match. The main reason is that she eats well, drinks well and is probably the most active and curious one out of all 5 hens. Her poop look normal as well. Also now she has been with us for 3 weeks and none of the other hens is sneezing.

It is also worth mentioning she doesn't sneeze when dying down or perching. And sneezes maybe every 5-10 minutes or so when she is walking and pecking around. I start to think whether she has some sort of allergy to dirt or pollen.

Thanks

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Check her nostrils to see if they have any dirt/debris or feed that may be clogging them up - a blocked nostril can make them sneeze.

Environment can be a cause of sneezing as well - dry/dusty bedding, feed, molds, etc. can cause irritation. You can try something like VetRx to see if that makes a difference - I have never used it, but quite a few people report that it's like Vicks Vapor Rub for chickens and works fairly well.

Thanks for the update - I hope she gets better soon.