Sneezing Chicks

[Bluestem]

Hi, I'm a new chicken keeper and I have 6 one-month old chicks, three black sex links and three buff Orpingtons. They all seem very active and healthy, and are eating and drinking just fine. However, two of the black sex links have been sneezing (ever since I got them). It's not very often--once every few minutes. On one of the girls I saw a little bit of clear discharge. Is this normal, or something that I should get medicine for?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like it could be infectious bronchitis, a virus which may last around a month. But dust in bedding or from dust in the coop can also cause sneezing. I would make sure that they are eating and drinking normally, keep their air circulation good, and hopefully, they will get over it soon. Help prevent water spills which can lead to mold in the bedding.

 

[Bluestem]

It sounds like it could be infectious bronchitis, a virus which may last around a month. But dust in bedding or from dust in the coop can also cause sneezing. I would make sure that they are eating and drinking normally, keep their air circulation good, and hopefully, they will get over it soon. Help prevent water spills which can lead to mold in the bedding.

Thank you! I'll make sure their bedding continues to stay dry and fresh. They're all eating and drinking plenty, and are quite active. They're starting to get a little braver and are eating out of my hand now.

 

[Eggcessive]

Let us know how they are doing in a few days or sooner. With infectious bronchitis (if it is that) chickens can be carriers for up to a year, so adding new chickens or hatching chicks from these ones should not be done for a least a year after the last one has symptoms.