Sneezing chicks- seem healthy otherwise, what can I do?

[Firrecat]

So about a week or so ago I noticed one of my 3 month chicks would sneeze ever so often, but I never saw any discharge or mucus, Eyes weren’t swollen and is very active.

Today, I noticed that the chick was sneezing a few times while I was out tending to them (20 minute period ish, sneezed about 3 times). I have now seen another chick sneezing a few times as well. All of them look healthy, no swollen eyes or discharge. They’re just sneezing.

Is there anything I can do at home to help them if they are still doing well? I don’t want them to end up very sick, so if it’s something I should immediately take to a vet please let me know.

Right now they have wood shaving bedding and I clean it all out every 3 days or so. They are on starter grit (about to order their new food this weekend), meal worms, strawberries and blueberries occasionally, occasionally leafy greens, as well as foraging in their run.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Sneezing can be simply from dust or dry feed.
Don't treat unless you know they have a malady and know exactly what it is. Doing so would be futile and possibly counterproductive.
Please explain what you mean by "they are on starter grit". Are they getting feed or just small stones?
Also baby chicks only need chick starter. That is formulated to provide complete nutrition.
While fruits and vegetables may be nutritious, chickens are omnivores so if you feel the need to give supplementation, you need to add animal protein or you could be diminishing optimal nutrition.

 

[dawg53]

In addition to what ChickenCanoe stated, it would be best to remove soiled litter daily. Ammonia fumes from soiled bedding could be the cause of the sneezing. Proper ventilation is required as well.

 

[Firrecat]

Yes, sorry it’s chick starter!

 

[Firrecat]

In addition to what ChickenCanoe stated, it would be best to remove soiled litter daily. Ammonia fumes from soiled bedding could be the cause of the sneezing. Proper ventilation is required as well.

Thank you!

 

[Bamas-Chicks]

Yeah as long as they seem healthy,active and still eating and drinking I wouldn't try to treat them for anything. You could start to remove one thing at a time from their enviroment until you notice they stop. Just to see what their sneezing about.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

In addition to what ChickenCanoe stated, it would be best to remove soiled litter daily. Ammonia fumes from soiled bedding could be the cause of the sneezing. Proper ventilation is required as well.

As important as fresh nutritious food and water are, there is nothing more important than big ventilation. IMHO, most people confine their chickens of all ages in closed up buildings without sufficient fresh air.

 

[Firrecat]

As important as fresh nutritious food and water are, there is nothing more important than big ventilation. IMHO, most people confine their chickens of all ages in closed up buildings without sufficient fresh air.

Thank you so much! Tonight I left the coop door partially open so more air could get in. I’ll be adding on another nesting area that will be better ventilated.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If you're in doubt, take a circular saw or sawzall and cut big openings in the building between studs.
Chickens can sleep in trees regardless of weather. There is no such thing as too much ventilation, especially in Texas.
If you leave a door unlatched, make sure raccoons and other vermin can't get in.

 

[Firrecat]

Update: so yesterday, during the hottest part of the day I have the chicks some electrolytes. I also kept the coop more ventilated last night. Today, I’ve only heard one sneeze from one chick! They seem to be doing better. I’ll keep a close eye on them for awhile to make sure. Thank you for the advice!