what to do?

[emilyschartz]

I have 5 baby chicks. They are about two and a half weeks old and recently one has been sneezing every once in a while and now.is holding its mouth open a lot like it's hard to breath. A second chick is now.holding it mouth open like that too. Idk what's wrong. They still eat and drinl water. They are on the medicated food. They sleep as much as they usually do. Does anyone know what's wrong? Do I need to get medication for them?

 

[nbenevento]

I honestly don't know anything about veterinary medicine but I will say, it might be a good idea to quarantine those two chicks and keep a close eye on the rest. Sorry, I don't know what is wrong with them or what to do but if it turns out to be serious, might as well try to save the others now by quarantining them now.

 

[nbenevento]

After thinking about for a second, what kind of bedding are you using? That could be part of the problem if you are using cedar chips. If you are using pine chips or sand, then I am back to having no idea. Sorry.

 

[Haveandtohold]

I agree, probably the bedding you're using. If the sneezing isn't too frequent and they don't seem ill otherwise I'd be more concerned about the mouth opening. That's how they cool themselves so perhaps your brooder is too warm? Give them some space to move further away from the lamp if they need to.

 

[emilyschartz]

I'm using the pine chips bedding. Should I be worried that two of them are holding their mouths open now instead of just the one? And do I need to separate them from the other 3? How warm should I have it for them then?

 

[Mtn Laurel]

I'm using the pine chips bedding. Should I be worried that two of them are holding their mouths open now instead of just the one? And do I need to separate them from the other 3? How warm should I have it for them then?

I've got new chicks myself so know you must be worried. Below is a thread of frequently asked questions that may be helpful. The temp of the brooder by chick age is in there somewhere. I'm sure you'll find other useful info in there, too. Best of luck!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/283953/raising-baby-chicks-notable-topic-index-please-review

 

[emilyschartz]

Thank you ill definitely look at it. If anyone else has suggestions please let me know. I don't want to lose any of my chicks.

 

[Haveandtohold]

Pine bedding is said to give off fumes that can be toxic to chicks and chickens and aren't good for their fragile respiratory systems. Here's an article on some of the dangers of pine shavings with young chicks: http://chickenheavenonearth.weebly.com/pine-bedding-can-be-dangerous-to-baby-chicks.html I'd switch to aspen shavings which you can get from any pet store. While you're there pick up a little thermometer so you can make sure your brooder is the right temp incase the bedding switch doesn't help the mouth opening problem.

 

[Haveandtohold]

Ok I'll stop hogging this thread but here's a quick chart for brooder temp


Usually you can tell if they're too hot, open mouths, drinking a lot more water, trying to get to edges of brooder away from light. Too cold they'll all group together and puff up under the lamp.

 

[emilyschartz]

So if it was the pine chips why would it just be affecting them now? It was pretty warm where they are so I moved light up a little. Ill see if it works. So far they don't have their mouths open as much anymore. Thanks for all the help I really appreciate it.