Sneezing Silkies

[blriehl]

Help! I have three 6 week old Silkies that I brought outside for 2 hrs for the first time yesterday... It was 58 degrees and barely a breeze. They all seemed fine last night now this morning I brought them out again and two seem to be sneezing! Just a little clear discharge coming out, that's it. Acting fine other than that... Should I worry?

 

[blriehl]

They are loving their outdoor pen, I hate to bring them in over a sneeze, but I will if its something to worry about!

 

[Michael Apple]

You could try a few drops of VetRx Poultry Remedy in their water trough and see if it clears up in a day. If the sneezing continues past that, you may want to treat with LS-50 dispersible powder or Tylan dispersible powder in the water. Each one can be used as 1/4 teaspoon per quart of water. Most feed stores carry one or the other, but you may want to call to be sure they carry one of them.

 

[Michael Apple]

I forgot to mention that if they have been in dusty areas, that can cause some respiratory irritation as well. In that case you would not need to treat with meds. Just do what you can to remove/keep the dust down.

 

[blriehl]

I did put straw down in their pen... which could have caused the dust? Ill keep an eye on them! Thank you!!

 

[Michael Apple]

You are welcome. Onward to healthy chicks

 

[Michael Apple]

I did put straw down in their pen... which could have caused the dust? Ill keep an eye on them! Thank you!!

I forgot about straw. Some people us it and some refuse to like me. Rice straw tends to be very dusty and breaks down quickly. The reason I avoid any straw is because it isn't as absorbant as pine shavings, and various mites are attracted to straw, unlike pine shavings.

 

[blriehl]

I use pine shavings in the brooder (and I have horses) so just used hay for them to pick though so they would t be bored in their outdoor pen. Bad idea?

 

[Michael Apple]

I use pine shavings in the brooder (and I have horses) so just used hay for them to pick though so they would t be bored in their outdoor pen. Bad idea?

I don't think so as long as it isn't wet matted hay. If they are old enough to be outside, picking through some dry hay shouldn't be a problem.

 

[blriehl]

Ok great! Thank you!!