when to take action with sneezing

[clickchicks]

I've been reading old threads here and some other sources on google about sneezing. I have two pullets that seem to sneeze regularly (if I'm in the coop cleaning up for 15 mins they'll sneeze maybe 2-3 times in that period). Started noticing about 3 days ago, only 2 out of 4 birds are doing it.

Seem to be totally healthy otherwise (eating/drinking normal, eyes and nose look clear). I'm not sure if its just dust, since I left the floor in their coop natural (loose dirt). I really wanted them to be able to scratch and dig in the natural flooring and not do litter, but there is some dust when I'm shuffling around cleaning poop. I can't tell is this is a cause/effect thing, because I'm scooping its kicking dust and that's why they are sneezing? Its not THAT dusty, but I'm also not a tiny chicken low to the ground.

At what point do you know its more serious than just a little dust? Is the sneezing alone cause for concern?

 

[dawg53]

Chickens sneeze just like dogs, cats and humans. However if you observe the following symptoms along with sneezing, then there's a problem; wheezing, watery eyes, facial swelling, head shaking, gurgling, runny nares...all related to a respiratory disease.

Other causes include feed dust, dust from dust bathing, inhalation of a feed granule, ammonia fumes from soiled bedding, pesticide use, improper ventilation, mold/mildew/fungus spores. All of those examples can be corrected or eliminated.

Otherwise if they are eating, drinking and acting like a chicken should; I wouldnt worry about it.
Perhaps you can use a spray bottle containing water to dampen the floor just a little to keep the dust down. Inspect the coop for mold/mildew/fungus. Look inside the feed sack for mold on the sack itself. Make sure the feed doesnt have any clumps, no matter the size.

 

[clickchicks]

Chickens sneeze just like dogs, cats and humans. However if you observe the following symptoms along with sneezing, then there's a problem; wheezing, watery eyes, facial swelling, head shaking, gurgling, runny nares...all related to a respiratory disease.

Other causes include feed dust, dust from dust bathing, inhalation of a feed granule, ammonia fumes from soiled bedding, pesticide use, improper ventilation, mold/mildew/fungus spores. All of those examples can be corrected or eliminated.

Otherwise if they are eating, drinking and acting like a chicken should; I wouldnt worry about it.
Perhaps you can use a spray bottle containing water to dampen the floor just a little to keep the dust down. Inspect the coop for mold/mildew/fungus. Look inside the feed sack for mold on the sack itself. Make sure the feed doesnt have any clumps, no matter the size.

Thank you, this is reassuring. I'll be doing a thorough check of everything. The feed sack is new and kept indoors right now, but its a really fine crumble and may be adding dust into the coop.

I usually just grab a scoop of feed and pour it into their feeder, maybe I'll try pulling the feed outside to top it off and see if that helps too. Or just switch to a larger sized feed on the next bag.