The sniffles!?

[fatcatbigbat]

A few birds in my flock have been sneezing, have watery eyes, and making strange noises. I'm hoping it's not something serious. It's starting to get pretty cold here in upstate NY. Could that be part of the problem? Please help.

 

[Eggcessive]

It may be the cold weather, but it also could be a virus like infectious bronchitis. I would watch for other symptoms such asfacial swelling or nasal discharge. Make sure that the coop has plenty of ventilation and no dust.

 

[Wyandottes7]

It may be the cold weather, but it also could be a virus like infectious bronchitis. I would watch for other symptoms such asfacial swelling or nasal discharge. Make sure that the coop has plenty of ventilation and no dust.

X2

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a helpful link for symptoms and treatments for the most common diseases: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[Nambroth]

There are only two reasons I know of for chickens to regularly demonstrate respiratory problems (regular sneezing, discharge, watering or bubbling eyes):

1) An environmental irritant, such as a lot of dust (dusty food or a very dusty coop can do this), or
2) Infectious disease.

Chickens don't get colds, and even when my birds have experienced bitter cold (-30) they have not had discharge or watery eyes.

 

[fatcatbigbat]

Thank you all for replying. I have started them on antibiotics and will try to quarantine the sick ones.

 

[fatcatbigbat]

Once I have quarantined them, is it bad to leave them in that coop all day?

 

[Eggcessive]

They need fresh air, but they also may need a little extra heat since chickens with respiratory illness may get chilled.