Sneezing, some coughing- going through the flock

[Lute]

Could they be sneezing so much because of the pine shaving dust? Mine did something similar so I changed the shavings out for blankets for a few days and went back to shavings. Seemed to be it.

Of course mine are all outside now.

 

[zooweemama]

Could they be sneezing so much because of the pine shaving dust? Mine did something similar so I changed the shavings out for blankets for a few days and went back to shavings. Seemed to be it.

Of course mine are all outside now.

I was thinking the same thing. Outside next to zero sneezing. And what I did hear was the normal kind. As soon as I put them back in the fresh clean bin- the one main sneezer started sneezing immediately. So we are going to try towels or straw instead. I just need to get them through to Saturday. Eeee! They are going to love their coop!

 

[zooweemama]

Could they be sneezing so much because of the pine shaving dust? Mine did something similar so I changed the shavings out for blankets for a few days and went back to shavings. Seemed to be it.

Of course mine are all outside now.

Aww I read your signature and you have Pekins. They are so funny. I really enjoy them the most so far.

 

[Lute]

They're great. I love them. I think I'll always keep Pekins.

 

[Wynette]

I really can't think it's due to the shavings, but you never know. I guess to test the theory, get another bag of a different brand - maybe even from a different store if at all possible. I suppose there "could" be something in one bag that shouldn't have been used (like wolmanized lumber) or something. To me, it just doens't make sense that it would be the shavings; a few sneezes, maybe, but the eye thing? It sure doens't sound likely, but goodness....I dunno!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I noticed there is 2 kinds of shavings flake and fine, fine has alot of dust flake not as much. if they aren't showing any other sign beside some sneezing it may be the shaving. good idea to switch to towels just keep them clean by changing them often.

 

[zooweemama]

There has been no sneezing since yesterday morning. (with the one sneezer sneezing when I first put her back in her fresh clean bin) It's going to be very warm today so the duckies get to go outside today and I am going to let them play (in small groups) in a shallow pan of water and get some baths. Everyone is still eating and drinking. My husband - when he came home- sat with me for a bit and we just watched them for a while without talking much and honestly- I think the one sneezer made me paranoid about every other sneeze I heard - which were normal sneezes. I think in the half hour we sat- one or two sneezed? And then the random snorts from dipping their faces. There are 10 of them and that's a lot of noise: pooping, snorting, sipping, running, peeping, sneezing etc. If they each sneezed in an hour- that just 'seems' like a lot of sneezing. I've been there sole caregiver and I have a tendency to panic a little bit when I don't know something. If I remove the sneezing- I'm wondering if they have stick eye or something? They have been given a pan to bathe in before (under the heat lamp) and when I was doing that their faces were much cleaner- the Pekins eyes are pretty darn clean and they are the ones that hog wild submerging their faces- the rest don't really get all that zealous with the water on their faces except when they get to sit in that pan of water. Hmmmm

 

[zooweemama]

And also looking back- the coughing I did hear was usually after me adding fresh bedding. I didn't really connect the two but even I was sneezing when that was happening. I also had not been very careful putting the bedding in- lightly fluffing it while they were in it. Just not really thinking about what that could do since there is no side ventilation in the bins- only the top. I am still not sure and while we finish prepping the coop tomorrow- I am watching them like a mama duck. <3 I don't want to cull them all because I panicked - so I am pulling back and watching. Just like I would with my other animals.

 

[ambrose]

I'm glad at least the fresh air and/or sunlight is helping! Hope they continue to improve.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'm glad at least the fresh air and/or sunlight is helping! Hope they continue to improve.

X2