Sneezing chickens

[WillemDL]

We are from Portugal and we have 6 chickens that are between 6 and 8 weeks old. We just changed their food from baby food. This morning we noticed that they all started sneezing. One of them also seems a little lethargic, but is eating and moving around. We already had one die a few weeks ago, but no sneezing up to this point.

What could be the reason for this, and what can we do to help them?

 

[Eggcessive]

What is their feed, and is it for pullets or laying hens? Is the feed dusty, and do you notice their sneezing is during eating, or is it happening every few minutes all day long? Some sneezing especially when eating or scratching around may be normal, but if they are sneezing all day long, it could be a respiratory disease. Is there anything irritating to their nostrils or poor ventilation? Dust, mold, pollen are all irritating. Check nostrils for any plugs of feed. Look for watery or bubbly eyes, and include pictures if you find any. Are any acting lethargic or not eating?

 

[WillemDL]

Hi Eggcessive.

Thank you for your reply and pointing me to what to look for. It seems it is indeed a respiratory issue. We already managed to get some medicine for them. Luckily they are still eating and moving around, so they are not too sick.

Willem

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you seeing bubbles or foam in either eye? That can help to pinpoint which respiratory disease(s) that may be present. Have you added any new birds in the last couple of weeks? The most common disease is infectious bronchitis virus, which does not respond to antibiotics, but usually lasts about 3-4 weeks. Mycoplasma or MG usually causes bubbles in eyes, swollen eyelids with weeping eyes, and that can respond to certain antibiotics such as Tylosin, Tiamulin/Denagard, oxytetracycline and erythromycin. Coryza is more serious, with thick nasal drainage, a bad odor, and swollen pus filled eyes.