Sneezing and Mouth Open

[Scribbles]

Noticed a couple of my hens sneezing. No discharge or whatever, though they do have their mouths open, although I'm not sure whether it's related to the sneezing or the heat (they have a tarp over the top of the run for shade but even so, it's been hot here). They're all still laying regularly, I have five hens and I get 3-5 eggs daily (usually 4) and they have different colors so I know whose eggs are whose. They've all been vaccinated for Mareks which I assume isn't related to this anyways. No other symptoms as far as I can see. Not sure exactly what this is. Should I just try the Tylan first since I have that on hand?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would hold off on antibiotics and watch for more sneezing, especially around times they are eating. Dust from the feed can trigger sneezing, as well as dusty conditions, so it may be nothing, and you don't want to treat every little thing with the big guns. Infectious bronchitis, a virus, can cause sneezing, chirping, and clear mucus discharge from the nose. It will typically spread through the whole flock, and runs it's course in 3 weeks. It is not cured or prevented by Tylan, but if you feel that they are getting that, Tylan can help prevent secondary infections. Here is a good link to read about common diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Scribbles]

Okay, I guess I'll just keep an eye on them. I ordered some VetRX to help with the symptoms at least? We're also in the middle of switching from crumbles to pelleted feed, I don't know if that will help but it was what the store had on hand when I went to get their refill bag, haha.