Sneezing chickens

[Tchelle1]

I have 14 chickens. Some are sneezing. I've been treating the whole flock by using VetRx on them once daily for about 4 days and that's been helping, but there are a few that are still sneezing. Other than the sneezing, they seem healthy. I noticed that the VetRx smells like VapoRub and was wondering if I could substitute it for the VetRx as it's not as expensive and I think it would get more out of it than the small bottle of VetRx.

I was also wondering if there's anything else I can give them that won't cause egg withdrawal.

 

[apryl29]

I just went through this. I just added vitamins to their water, checked their nostrils & cleaned those that were dirty (food and dust from bathing). I did rub a little VetRx on my cockerel, but it didn't seem to make a difference. He had been in a more open space and I moved him inside the coop w/ the others and that seemed to have helped.
Here's the link the my thread, some of their ideas may help you.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sneezing-coughing.1200391/
Incidentally, even though I didn't really do anything for them, mine seem to be doing fine now. It seemed worse a couple weeks ago when temps were in the upper 80's, so I think it was likely the dry, dusty air.

 

[Tchelle1]

Thank you! I read your link. Did you use the Tylan? I've thought about that, but didn't know if it had egg withdrawal or not. I can't do anything like that because I sell my eggs.

It's not been hot or dry the past few weeks, so I don't think that's the culprit. My birds also free range for the biggest part of the day.

What kind of vitamins did you use?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Are there any other symptoms accompanying the sneezing (lethargy, going off feed, facial swelling, mucous from the nostrils, coughing, watery or bubbly eyes, wheezing, etc.)?

Observe the ones that are sneezing to determine if there is a common cause - do they sneeze during/after they have been eating, while they are in the coop, how often is the sneezing, etc. Dry dusty bedding/feed, excess droppings or ammonia buildup due to poor ventilation in housing can cause sneezing as well as can molds and respiratory illness. Unless there are more symptoms that would indicate that your birds have a secondary bacterial infection from respiratory illness, then it would be wise to hold off on the antibiotics. Since you are seeing improvement with the VetRx, then I would continue with that course of treatment. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

Offer them poultry vitamins which can be found at most feed stores and see that they are staying well hydrated.

Keep us posted.

 

[Tchelle1]

No, there are no other symptoms. They are healthy otherwise. They are allowed to free range for the biggest part of the day. Before free ranging, they are both in the coop and are able to go into a large run. I have a drop board that I clean off once a week. I've noticed them sneezing both in the coop and while they are out and about. They don't have a discharge coming from their nose or eyes, and there's no swelling.

I'll go get some poultry vitamins as soon as I can, but was wondering if I could possibly use VapoRub instead of VetRx?

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like infectious bronchitis, a virus, but hard to diagnose without testing. It doesn't require any treatment, and will last in each chicken around a month or so. It can spread slowly around the flock for a while, though. IB can be very serious in young chickens, and in older birds they can develop wrinkly egg shells and decrease laying for a bit. If it is IB, then they can be carriers for up to a year after all recover. So that means to hold off adding or hatching other chickens, and if you give any away they may cause an outbreak in another flock. Unless they develop a secondary bacterial infection, they should recover. You really don't need VetRx or vaporub, but they would be equivalent to use. Vet Rx consists of camphor, rosemary, oregano, and pine oil.

 

[apryl29]

Thank you! I read your link. Did you use the Tylan? I've thought about that, but didn't know if it had egg withdrawal or not. I can't do anything like that because I sell my eggs.

It's not been hot or dry the past few weeks, so I don't think that's the culprit. My birds also free range for the biggest part of the day.

What kind of vitamins did you use?

I didn't give them any antibiotics. I considered it, but if it was a virus it wouldn't have made a difference to medicate them. I'm not sure about egg withdrawal from Tylan. Someone w/ more experience may be able to tell you. The vitamins I got were from Tractor Supply. I got Rooster Booster Vitamins & Electrolytes with Lacto Bacillus. They have several brands and different size containers. I suggest you read the labels and decide which is right for you (or guess, like I did).

 

[Eggcessive]

If using Tylan 50 injectable given orally, or using Tylan Soluble from a vet orally in the water, there is no egg withdrawal.

 

[Tchelle1]

Thank you all so very much! I was at TSC yesterday and like Apryl29, I guessed at what to buy. They were out of electrolytes, but will check with my local feed store.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you all so very much! I was at TSC yesterday and like Apryl29, I guessed at what to buy. They were out of electrolytes, but will check with my local feed store.

The poultry booster is good. Just watch to see that they are drinking plenty of fresh water, hydration is important.