Sneezing, mouth open, sniffly chicken

[knosugref]

HELP!

I have my first flock of four girls who are all about 14 weeks old. About a week ago I noticed that one of them, Charlotte my Rhode Island Red, was sneezing. It was only every now and then so I wasn't too worried, as it was hot out and pollen was all over the place. Then this past weekend, I noticed that she was holding her mouth open to breath and sneezing a LOT (like 5 sneeze combos every couple minutes). So, I separated her from the other three...which was quite stressful for her, she was very upset.

Today I noticed that the amount of sneezing has come down substantially, but when I pick her up I can still hear her wheezing...like you or I would with a cold. She just sounds really congested. Her eyes are perfectly clear with no discharge, her nose has no discharge on it, even right after she sneezes, she eats a LOT still, she's pooping BIG normal poops, drinking plenty of water, her feathers and demeanor are all great, and none of the other chickens has even sneezed once.

Here are a few pics of her in my basement (her new sleeping arrangement):






The only thing I can think of, is that she may be allergic to diatomaceous earth...is that possible? I just started putting it in the coop a few weeks ago, and timing is a little far fetched, but could line up with the very first sneeze from this chicken. Is that a possibility?

I read all kinds of posts on the forum about sneezing, but every situation is a little different and I just can't decide what to do. Please help me come up with something to try for treating her.... Should I try Apple Cider vinegar in her water? Do I need an antibiotic? Is there anything else I can do? She is truly upset being away from her friends...she jumped the fence tonight so she could lay with the other three in their run. It was sad to take her away as the others went to bed...

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks all!

Sincerely the worried new chicken mom...

 

[Anna_0909]

Sounds like a cold to me. In that case, yes, she's contagious. Although I'd consider moving at least one hen into her enclosure. Stress won't help her get well.

I don't know if she's allergic. I think it's a possibility.

But yes, put ACV in the water! And humans with a cold should avoid milk and drink a lot of water and soup. I'm not sure the same applies to hens, but she sure wouldn't mind getting some soup

Edit: She looks fresh on the photos. Does she have a healthy appetite?

 

[knosugref]

Thanks for the advice. Where she is located is right next to the coop during the day so that helps the stress level.

She seems to be devouring the food in her enclosure. (I'm not sure what the term "fresh" means...) Breathing is very difficult it seems though. She moves around and isn't stagnant, but as soon as I pick her up she takes big breaths with her mouth open...

I put the ACV in her water...hopefully that will help a little

Poor little girl...actually...poor big girl! She's by far the biggest in my flock!

 

[Anna_0909]

It's good to hear she still has her appetite! And with fresh I meant energic, awake and/or aware of her surroundings .

I'll say that I don't know much about sicknesses in hens.. You have to consider the possibility of a worse disease or an object stuck in her neck. How's her egg production? Is she laying just as many eggs? And do they look different?

 

[Mandy020386]

My chicks are doing the same thing except its getting worse with one. Her eyes have discharge, not yellow, but one is swollen and I Have them on antibiotics now to see if that helps. I sure hope it gets better soon. I have no advice to give except maybe try giving them antibiotics for 10 to 14 days

 

[knosugref]

Mandy - Where do I get antibiotics? Do i have to have her seen by a vet? Should a farm store have some?

Anna - she isn't egg producing yet, she is only 15 weeks old. Nothing about her temperament is different, except when I chase her she gets tired faster...because she can't breath...

She doesn't appear to be getting better, but she definitely isn't getting worse. No discharge from the eyes or nose, she's eating and running around, she's pooping still, and drinking water with ACV...but it doesn't seem to be helping.

ANYONE, any ideas please?!?!