Sneezing Chickens

[ktill]

Hey all! I've had my chickens for about 3 weeks now (all purchased as chicks, though a couple were probably a week or two older than the others at the time of purchase as they're much larger). I brought them outside for the first time today and they're sneezing. At least, that's the best way I can describe the noise they're making. It's a high, short exhale noise. I've never heard them do that before when I had them inside and am trying to gauge whether I should be concerned. Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Is it dusty outside were you are?

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

I wouldn’t be concerned unless they start acting sick.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Welcome to BYC by the way!

 

[littlechickenmama17]

Hello, and welcome to BYC!
So, chickens can't get colds and flu's like humans do, so they could have a bacterial infection. But that sneezing symptom usually comes with laboured coughing, so unless they do have that, I would cross that off the list. My only tip is to keep them in an area with good ventilation and no musty air. They could just got dusty air /particles in their lungs and are trying to clear it using the better air outside. Just watch them, if they stop sneezing outside, but when moved inside they start sneezing, I would think about the air quality where they are. Good luck!

 

[ktill]

It's just a grassy area and we've had rain recently so I'd say it's leaning towards mud versus dust. I haven't noticed anything else besides a little bit of runnier poop, but that's not consistent or something all of them have. But they all seem to be sneezing since they've been outside. It's less frequent now that they've been out for a bit longer, so I'm hoping it was just the change of temperature or the pollen in the air (my allergies have been bad this week). Am trying to air on the side of caution, though, since this is my first flock.

 

[ktill]

And thank you for the responses and welcomes!

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

It could have been pollen if they have only been sneezing outside.

 

[littlechickenmama17]

@GermanKennhuhn , I agree. It could be weather as well, and the change of temps/humidity from inside to outside. Just a thought