Sneezing/coughing Girl

[wannabfarmer]

I have a 1 year old Buff that has all of a sudden started this goofy little sneeze or cough quite frequently, I should note that we just moved four bales of straw into the shed where they live, however it is the same that we use for the nesting box litter. Could I have a chicken with allergies or is this a sign of something more serious? We are very new to owning chickens, our "flock" consists of 6 pullets and the other 5 ladies are all very healthy. Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thank You!

 

[PurpleChicken]

It's too hard to tell from just a cough. Chickens will get coughs and
other symptoms from time to time and it means nothing. Watch her
nose/beak for any discharge. That would not be a good sign.

I'd recommend isolating her until it stops. Better safe than sorry.

 

[wannabfarmer]

Thank you very much!

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
My pleasure. Welcome to BYC.

Keep us posted. Your experience with her will help others when their
chickens start sneezing.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

If it is a quick "squeak" of a cough, its probably just dust. However, if you are using hay as bedding be sure there is more than adequate ventilation because hay can carry Aspergilosis.

If it is a coughing/congested/weezing cough, it may be a respiratory infection, in which I would suggest you try Tylan 50, and inject 1cc into the breast muscle.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
Chris, have you injected Tylan on any of your birds? I had to cull off
my entire silkie flock because of MG. It was hitting them hard and
the rest were carriers. Even now all my other birds are carriers.
I have a little 12 week old Cochin who is very dear to me who is showing
signs. I was gonna let him fight it off on his own but I'd be willing to
try another route.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Quote:
Yes I have, and I have other friends who have used it as well with success.

I gave the dosage of 1cc in the breast muscle, but that may need to be adjusted for the size of your bird. You may also need to administer a dose for two or three days depending on the severity of the infection.