My chicken have been sneezing (at least thats what I think it is) for couple of months(could be longer but thats when I noticed) Its like shaking their head with a little sound like "took" or you can call it a bark. There is no runny nose, no eye discharge redness etc. All of their weights have been stable or increasing (I weigh them weekly). I am concerned now because from doing this shaking head and barking from once or twice an hr, it has increased to 4-5 times an hr (when I am observing). Someone said there might be worms, but I have not seen any evidence. Winter is fast approaching and they have started a soft molt, so I am trying to be pro-active. Any suggestions?
I would do some research on infectious bronchitis, since it can start going through the flock, and each one lasts a month or more, causing sneezing that sounds like you describe, plus nasal drainage. It tends to get worse at feeding times and at night. Sneezing can also be caused by dust in feed or from bedding, ammonia odors, or wet moldy conditions. Make sure that you have excellent coop ventilation and not too hot for high temperature can lead to more respiratory disease. Here is a good link on IB and other respiratory disease symptoms: http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/78/infectious-bronchitis-ib http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044
While I don't rule it out, but none of my flock has any discharge or any other symptoms. except for this head shaking to get rid of something. But I don't see anything outside to justify a nasal/respiratory illness like that. Also, My coop is very dry, very well ventilated, completely open from 2 sides. I am wondering that maybe one possible reason could be low night temps and maybe its a cold but again no discharges. Also thinking allergies. I introduced Coffee chaffs as bedding in one section of their coop, I am thinking maybe that is the culprit. colored mulch in their run, and a new brand of DE recently. I wish I had a way of testing them somehow.
