Winter weather and sneezing

[peggysuencrew]

IS it normal for chickens to sneeze a little in winter time due to the cold? Meaning , like when we humans go outside in the cold weather our nose will run. I have noticed that during the periods we (TN) have been having they sneeze every once in a while. No other symptom. They are laying, eating, drinking, active and poop looks normal. Our weather is crazy going from mids 60's to low 20's the next day. I have SLW, BA and an EE- all 1 year old. Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks!
Peggy

 

[nettifer]

i would give some garlic flakes or raw grated in food and apple cider vineger in water unless you get any more sneezing or swollen eyes /cheeks cos then its a respitory disease and needs anti biotics

 

[Nambroth]

If they are only sneezing on occasion, it's probably okay. Mine will sneeze after getting a beak full of dusty feed, or sometimes when they kick their litter around. It's winter and the air is dry in many places. I have never noticed the cold itself making them sneeze (and it's plenty cold here... -15 when I got up this morning!), but dust will.

If they seem to sneeze more than occasionally, look carefully for discharge or bubbling in the eyes, nose, and beak. If they will let you handle them, I'd suggest listening carefully to their breathing. If all else seems well, you are probably okay. If it seems to be accompanied by any other symptoms (symptoms might be subtle, so use your best observational skills!) then it is time to take it more seriously as chickens don't get 'colds', they get respiratory diseases.

 

[peggysuencrew]

Thank you for the replies! I put apple cider vinegar in the water and garlic powder (not salt kind) in their pellets. The girls seem fine today and no other symptoms. I am worried about CRD (MG) after looking through some past posting in this part of the forum. My girls have never had a respiratory infection but they could be carriers. My hens are pets (I don't breed, hatch eggs ect) and I just want to be prepared in the event they do develop CRD. I want to add some chicks to the flock but after reading about CRD I am nervous. Thank you for the replies and I plan on continuing the apple cider vinegar and the garlic.
Peggy