Silkie Chick shakes head and sneezes after eating

[heirrball]

I have a 3 week old silkie baby who has always been smaller than the other babies who hatched at the same time. It has also sneezed and shook its head every time it eats, and sneezes frequently when not eating. It is not showing signs of respiratory distress, lethargy, or tremors, crop is soft, and stool is normal. It seems to be gaining weight slower than the others now though and none of the others in the brooder are showing any signs.
I am new to chicken babies and silkies in particular. It reminds me of the behavior of a mammal who has a cleft pallet. I don't know if I should be concerned?

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hello! Can you give her nutri drench in their water? Give it for five days and then switch back to water.

 

[CloneFly]

My silkie did/does the same. She's about 7wks now and is sneezing less. Just be sure to watch for any signs of illness, otherwise your baby should be fine

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a 3 week old silkie baby who has always been smaller than the other babies who hatched at the same time. It has also sneezed and shook its head every time it eats, and sneezes frequently when not eating. It is not showing signs of respiratory distress, lethargy, or tremors, crop is soft, and stool is normal. It seems to be gaining weight slower than the others now though and none of the others in the brooder are showing any signs.
I am new to chicken babies and silkies in particular. It reminds me of the behavior of a mammal who has a cleft pallet. I don't know if I should be concerned?

Do you have photos of her or a video of her actions?

Sometimes chicks get food/water in their nostrils when eating and drinking. Look to make sure that her nostrils are clear of food/debris.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hello! Can you give her nutri drench in their water? Give it for five days and then switch back to water.

 

[CFLRanching]

It's normal for them to eat really ravenous sometimes (or frequently) and do that. We have several adults that do it (hens and roosters) often it's when it's them rushing in to eat and then how quickly they gooble it down and then they will start sneezing and shaking their heads. It sounds like it's just the way she eats.