Sneezing 3 week old chick

[jeepgoil1508]

I am a brand new chicken person. I have 10 3 week old chicks. This morning, I noticed that one of them seems to be sneezing, and her breathing sounds a little bit like she has cellophane in her chest. She is eating and drinking normally, and there is no discharge from her eyes or nose. She seems happy and healthy aside from the sneezing and wheezing. I do give her electrolytes in her water, and she gets the medicated feed. Is there something OTC that I can give her?

BTW, on Sunday, I did open a window in the room next to where they are kept as the kitchen got a little smokey from cooking something at a high temperature, and I was trying to air it out. I don't believe the draft would have gotten into their area, though.

 

[Judy]

If it's just one, the chances are it's from the dust that chicks make -- their dander, dust from litter, even dried poop can all contribute.

Many people use brooders that are really too small, and it's difficult to get the dustiness out of most any brooder. At 3 weeks they should have about 2 sq ft each, plus more for food and water.

Unless your weather is extreme, they are old enough to go outdoors and get some fresh air for short periods. You could also consider beginning to wean them off the heat lamp and consider moving them outdoors soon, again depending on your climate.

You can add yor location to your postbit by going to "My Profile" and typing it in the location box, then click submit.

 

[jeepgoil1508]

Thank you so much for your quick reply.

If the problem is just dust, there is no real treatment, just try to get them outside on warm days? I am in Northeast Ohio, and we have had some pretty cool weather lately, but I will get them out for some fresh air once we have warmer days.

I was really worried that she has pneumonia or something, so I am hopeful that this helps her.

 

[Judy]

If you can't get her outdoors right now, perhaps you can cut down on the dust where she is. Make a larger brooder, change out the litter, and perhaps cover it for a day or so with an old towel or paper towels. Bring some sod indoors for them to scratch at so they won't scratch at the litter so much. Put some objects inthere for distractions -- thing to jump on or hide under, a small roost, etc., and move them around every day or so.
Some people use bells, bird mirrrors, small stuffed animals -- whatever works.

 

[jeepgoil1508]

Sooo, it appears that maybe it is some sort of respiratory ailment. I have started to notice a couple of the others sneezing. I called a nearby animal supply store, and they suggested LS50 for the chicks. I am curious about what chicken veterans think about using it?

 

[jeepgoil1508]

Now the more I read, it appears that LS 50 is only supposed to be used in chicks up to 7 days old, but she is probably 21 days old. On Sunday, it will be 21 days since we got them. Is there a different medication that I should use for a 3 week old, or is LS 50 ok?

 

[Arch]

I am a brand new chicken person. I have 10 3 week old chicks. This morning, I noticed that one of them seems to be sneezing, and her breathing sounds a little bit like she has cellophane in her chest. She is eating and drinking normally, and there is no discharge from her eyes or nose. She seems happy and healthy aside from the sneezing and wheezing. I do give her electrolytes in her water, and she gets the medicated feed. Is there something OTC that I can give her? 

BTW, on Sunday, I did open a window in the room next to where they are kept as the kitchen got a little smokey from cooking something at a high temperature, and I was trying to air it out. I don't believe the draft would have gotten into their area, though.

the same thing happened to my Plymouth when it was a chick, (if they are inside) I would suggest moving them to a place more ventilated, if this keeps going or gets worse try and look online for the same systems you are seeing