Sneezing Chickens?

[swiggity_swarren]

Hey y'all,
I'm located in the mid southern US. Our temps have been at an average of 50-34 degrees. I've been trying to keep my chickens dry, and I have a tarp over my brooder right now to keep the chickens dry (I have about 10 who are six weeks old). However, I think I've had some water seeping through the tarp, because when I checked on them today, they looked a little damp, which was really concerning. Then as I was feeding them, one of my silkies made a noise akin to a sneeze/wheeze. I plan to add more cardboard and dry bedding to the brooder ASAP, as well as figuring out the tarp situation to ensure dryer nights. However, I'm concerned about my chickens. Do I need to isolate? Should I have a heat lamp? Should I buy certain meds to help with symptoms? I've been adding both fresh and dry herbs to their feed over the last few weeks in hopes that it would help their immunes systems (red pepper, thyme, oregano, rosemary). Thank you in advance for the help.

 

[Eggcessive]

How long have you had them? Did they come from another person or from a feed store or hatchery? Do you have any pictures of your setup or coop? Chickens can sneeze occasionally but if they sneeze every few minutes or have watery or bubbly eyes, that could be a respiratory disease.

 

[swiggity_swarren]

I've had them since they were mail-shipped at a day old. They're six weeks now. I don't immediately have a picture of my brooder, but I can find one online. I put a layer of thick brown cardstock (two pieces deep) and about 3-4 inches of pine woodchips. I'll gladly take a pic of the setup tomorrow when it's light outside.

 

[Debbie292d]

If the only symptoms right now are sneezing, it could be minor, but I'd get some chicken vitamins like Poultry Cell or Nutri-Drench and put some in their water every other day. That'll help them fight if they've got a minor respiratory infection.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you notice them sneezing when they are eating, or all of the time? Look for any bubbles in either eye or drainage from nostrils.

 

[swiggity_swarren]

thank you both.

Eggcessive, it was right after I fed them and had poured the feed into their trough. I had walked back with their waterer when I noticed it. Maybe the dust got kicked up from the feed?

 

[Debbie292d]

thank you both.

Eggcessive, it was right after I fed them and had poured the feed into their trough. I had walked back with their waterer when I noticed it. Maybe the dust got kicked up from the feed?

Oh let's hope that's what it is! They'll sniffle, snort, and sneeze but should be over that in a few minutes!

 

[Eggcessive]

If they sneeze at other times and repeatedly when not eating, that can be a sign of a virus called infectious bronchitis. Hopefully, dust in the feed is causing the sneezing temporarily.