Sneezing chickens

[Mattisonmandi]

I have two Delawares that have been sneezing for a few days, I thought it was the new hay I put in there coop. But I have another separate part of my coop with my silkies and one (my favorite!! About three months old) has now started sneezing a lot. They are all eating and I don't see anything else wrong. What do I do to heal them?? I need my Silkie to get better and don't want the rest of my hens to get sick from the Delaware's. Should I put the Silkie in my brooder in my garage? Should I separate the Delaware's and med them?

 

[mpmb1227]

How often is a lot? Its not necessarily unusual for chickens to have sneezing fits unless its super persistant or symptoms don't go away.

 

[Mattisonmandi]

It's been about a week now. Multiple sneezes while I'm doing things in the coop.

 

[mpmb1227]

Well chickens will sneeze for the same reason we do; dust, potential allergies, dry air, etc. Are they breathing normally? No wheezing or labored breathing? Any other signs of illness such as lethargy, pale comb/waddles, diarrhea (can sometimes be hard to pinpoint as cecal poop can often look the same as illness induced diarrhea, unless there's blood/heavy mucous), or poor appetite?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have any photos of your Silkie?
"It's been about a week now. Multiple sneezes while I'm doing things in the coop."
Are they sneezing when you freshen, rake or replace the bedding?
Watch to see if they are sneezing after they eat/drink. Also check your Silkie's nostrils for any blockage/food stuck in them. It's not unusual for a chicken to occasionally sneeze to clear the nostrils of dust, food or water - continuous sneezing is a cause for concern.

If you notice any other symptoms like coughing, wheezing, runny nose (mucous), discharge from the eyes, lethargy, facial swelling or going off food/water - it could be a respiratory illness. As @mpmb1227 mentioned, there are several causes of sneezing, so watching for more symptoms and then treating accordingly would be a good idea.

 

[Mattisonmandi]

I put vet RX under her wings and it added electrolytes/vitamins to there water and it seemed to help a ton! But today when I went out I picked her up and she had snot blocked up on her beak. I put some vetRX on a q-tip and cleaned her beak off. She eats and drinks and seems to be content. She just hung out in my lap while I treated her but she's a laid back Silkie so I don't think it is out of her norm.

 

[Mattisonmandi]

I don't want to give antibiotics unless I have no other choice. Any other things I could do to help her? I'll do whatever I can.

 

[Mattisonmandi]

I'll take a picture of her tomorrow.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's probably best to wait and see - try the VetRx since you saw improvement. Make sure she is drinking well and eating.

If she worsens, develops a cough, wheezing or the sneezing becomes consistent, then antibiotics may be in order to help control any secondary infections.

 

[Mattisonmandi]

Will do. I have never had to give antibiotics before. What kind do you suggest? She's pretty small. How do you administer themm? I've heard horror stories about injections and it killing the chickens. I would even pay our vet if it meant a safer outcome. Suggestions appreciated!