Sneezing Chickens

[Anonymous]

Hi

I changed the girls bedding today and it was quite damp. Whilst I was busy I could hear two of my girls sneezing and one sounds a bit wheezy. I noticed as I was clearing the old bedding out a lot of very small black flies in amongst everything. Could this be why they are sneezing? I can't really tell if they are behaving normally as it is raining a lot and the girls are hiding anywhere they can find shelter.

Many thanks

 

[foxy]

Hi Vivsy, I would observe very carefully, sneezing and wheezing are usually symptoms of a respiratory infecton which would require antibiotics from the vet to clear up.
With regard to bedding, try a good brand of dust extracted shavings...something like Easibed or similar available from a good horsey place.This will reduce irritation on the chooks respiratory tract - dust will excerbate any respiratory problems. Check for leaks in the coop,and try and keep the henhouse as dry as possible, easier said than done in the torrential downpours we are having! :roll:

 

[ncotb]

Ditto what Foxy said, plus put some crushed up garlic or garlic granules in their water & also some ACV if you have some (20ml to a litre) the one bought from feed merchants is best - I use Supargar. Also, dont put the ACV in a galvanised container, use plastic. This will act as a pick me up for the short term. Have your chooks got bubbly eyes?

 

[podstable]

Only a thought if they were on wet straw/hay -poss. fungal cause eg aspergillus? Ros

 

[Anonymous]

Many thanks for your replies.

My girls seem a little better this morning, touching wood as I type. They went into a different house last night with clean dry bedding and I gave them water with ACV and garlic crushed in. Also added some poultry spice to their pellets. Their eyes are clear and bright but I was unable to see if their behaviour was the same as normal due to the torrential rain. Been sploshing around in muddy puddles this morning. Still got a hose pipe ban though. There are no leaks in the house so the damp bedding must have been what they carried in on their feet and feathers.

All advice gratefully received. Will keep you informed.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ros

There was straw in the nesting boxes that was also quite damp/wet. Would there be a best way to treat them for a fungal infection?

 

[Davidd]

Hello, if it is an infection you need a vet to give you antibiotics- it is normally Staphylococcus bacteria that cause this infection from fungal spores-the vet will give you antibiotics- Tylan,Terramycin etc.
regards, David

 

[podstable]

Hi Vivsy---- if damp straw/hay in bedding is shedding fungal spores removal of the bedding and a thorough scrub should do the trick ,most fungal respiratory signs are due allergy so removal of the source of spores will quickly resolve symptoms. A fungal ' infection' would require specific anti-fungal drugs but would be likely to be longer standing and more serious.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks again

I have been outside for a couple of hours now and although the girls are quite quiet their breathing seems much improved. Keeping everything crossed that we don't have a relapse.

 

[Anonymous]

Just a quick update. I am pleased to report that my girls are all now back in full health and we didn't need a visit to the vets. Hurrah. Many thanks for all your help, I don't know what I'd do without this forum.