Sneezing, runny nose

[MightyMama]

Coop has sand/DE, before it had the flakes - but this was way easier to clean out the nasty poop they were having.

All but PB is having nice normal poops, so the poop posted is most likely hers...though I didn't see it to confirm.

They had more bedding in the nesting box, but they just make a big mess of it, so I haven't refilled it in a while. They aren't laying yet anyway. They were sleeping in the box, so I had it blocked off for a while, but they don't sleep in it anymore. I still have the other side blocked off because they really have no need to be in it right now.

Run is dirt, but I've been adding in sand and DE as they dig holes.

It really does stay this clean most of the time. This weekend it wasn't as good because my mom was in the hospital, but I clean it out every day.

The bricks are in the coop because I usually put a small waterer (the little mason jar one) in there and the other one is for a gallon of ice for when it gets hot so it doesn't get the floor board wet. The mason jar waterer is getting a good long soak because its got some lime build up from the water.

Video coming up next with her sneeze

 

[MightyMama]

Okay, I should also clarify, I came home with 4 chicks about 6-7 weeks old. 1 was a rooster and the farmer told me I could come and switch with a hen. So I did that around 11 weeks or so (he was crowing and doing the love dance with the ladies already...it was pretty clear). So new EE hen came in, from same farm but the hatching just before my group of chicks. That's when the problems began. I was told that I should be safe from her bringing illnesses since it was from the same farm...but the hen was out in the yard with the older hens at this point...so maybe she did pick up stuff from the older hens, and that's what started all this...but she's not shown any signs of being sick, either time. Nor has the Orpington.

 

[MightyMama]

Sneezes at 14 seconds and 1:19 - she's a little agitated because I put her on the roof of her coop so she would stay still enough for me to record her (normally they can't make it up there on their own).

They also usually get 3-4 hours of free range time, depends on the day and if I'm around.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for posting the photos and video

Just one more question - the bird in the video - does she still have a discharge from the nostrils? Does it still smell?

I tried to look back over everything. I'm so sorry, it sounds like you have had a confusing time. Sometimes getting info on forums can make you feel like you are being bombarded with information. We all have our opinions on how to do things.

First of all - I really don't see or hear anything too concerning with your girl in the video.
Sneezing can be caused by a number of things - respiratory illness, dry dusty feed/bedding/environment, clearing the nostrils of dust/debris/food, poor ventilation and molds are the most common.

That said, I think some of your respiratory issues may be environmental. It's hard to see, but your coop may need more ventilation. While PDZ and DE can be useful in keeping things dry and make cleanup a breeze, they are both very dusty. Try adding more vents or a window to your coop for better air flow.

The most concerning thing I saw was the poop. Is that consistent? If you have a vet that can perform a fecal float for worms that would be good, this way you are not treating unnecessarily.

Giving vitamins should not be stressful for you or her. Poultry vitamins can be added to the water and all your chicks can drink it for a couple of days. Alternatively, if you are using something like Poultry Nutri-Drench which can be direct dosed (or mixed with the water) - just put the drops on something like scrambled or hard boiled egg. They gobble it up no problem.

I hate to see you discouraged. It looks like you have a nice place for them and are doing your best taking care of them, they are lovely little things. From the list of "medications" you have given, that really isn't too bad. FWIW Corid is a Coccidiostat not an antibiotic - it is mild and very safe to use - it basically blocks Thiamine so Cocci will "starve"- this helps allow a bird's immune system to catch up and build resistance. Birds always have Cocci, it's when there is an overload that it becomes a problem.

Just my thoughts. Please keep us posted.

 

[MightyMama]

Just one more question - the bird in the video - does she still have a discharge from the nostrils? Does it still smell?

Yes, and yes. I was hoping you could see it in the head shot pictures. It's just clear boogers. They are slimy and sticky.

First of all - I really don't see or hear anything too concerning with your girl in the video.
Sneezing can be caused by a number of things - respiratory illness, dry dusty feed/bedding/environment, clearing the nostrils of dust/debris/food, poor ventilation and molds are the most common.

Even though its been going on for a week, every 1-2 minutes or so? It never lets up, even when she's free ranging. It's actually how I've been finding them when they stray into the trees on my property.

That said, I think some of your respiratory issues may be environmental. It's hard to see, but your coop may need more ventilation. While PDZ and DE can be useful in keeping things dry and make cleanup a breeze, they are both very dusty. Try adding more vents or a window to your coop for better air flow.

They actually don't spend much time in the coop unless they know I've been in there messing around with it...hoping I left the back door open so they can sneak out (it happens from time to time when I get distracted cleaning). Can the dust overnight cause this to go on all day?

The most concerning thing I saw was the poop. Is that consistent? If you have a vet that can perform a fecal float for worms that would be good, this way you are not treating unnecessarily.

She's never had good poop. The others were the same way until we did the Corid, and then it got much better...there was a transition period where they went from having nasty poops, to what I thought were normal (hadn't seen it before...), then it became super hot...so they had some runny ones from the weather. After that, theirs were good, hers were not. There is never any blood, they are just very wet.

Giving vitamins should not be stressful for you or her. Poultry vitamins can be added to the water and all your chicks can drink it for a couple of days. Alternatively, if you are using something like Poultry Nutri-Drench which can be direct dosed (or mixed with the water) - just put the drops on something like scrambled or hard boiled egg. They gobble it up no problem.

All I have is Poly-vi-sol. I was giving it to her in a dropper. I can try this...

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So the discharge smells as well?

Is her crop emptying overnight? Feel it when they go to roost at night, then first thing in the morning before eating/drinking. Should be full at night/empty in the morning.

The sneezing that often, something is going on, but usually respiratory illness is accompanied by more symptoms (wheezing, rattling, facial swelling, runny/watery eyes).
Overnight dust and poor ventilation can certainly cause respiratory illness or irritation - even if they are out and about during the day.

 

[MightyMama]

Yes it smells, and it is not the crop. I've checked that. It clears out just fine.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's possible that she may have some type of infection.
Do you have a vet for any other animals that would be willing to run a fecal float and gram stain on a poop sample?

 

[MightyMama]

My vet "doesn't do chickens". I haven't found a local vet yet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hopefully your vet can direct you to who does locally.

Also, I don't know where you are located, but if you have a local Agricultural Extension Office sometimes they can point you in the right direct. Depending on your state, the State diagnostic labs may perform the tests for you.