Sneezing Chicks

[Knittycat]

I've been hearing the occasional sneeze from the brooder. I sat and watched them for a while, and no one sneezed. So I began pulling them out and carrying them around with me to see who the culprit was. They all seem to do it from time to time. They're a week old and on pine shavings with adequate heat water and food. The food is medicated manna pro.
So, what gives? What do I do? They all seem perfectly happy and healthy otherwise. And the sneezing is very occasional. Once or twice an hour if they aren't sleeping.

 

[gritsar]

IMO, occasional sneezing in the absence of other symptoms is nothing to worry about. Brooders are dusty places and just like human babies, a chick will sometimes sneeze to clear their nares.

My DH has a trick, learned in the commercial houses, to identify a problem with a sneezer. When you hear a sneeze, let out a high pitched whistle. The chicks will (usually) all turn to you, allowing you to look at their faces and check for drainage.

 

[Knittycat]

Thanks! Good to know.