And now. . . .sneezing chickens!!

[HeatherH]

So, I'm still feeling under the weather -

Now, one of our chickens is sneezing!

The girls are outside right now, cleaning the chicken pen, putting down pine straw (it's gotten a little muddy), and we gave them a warm mash. I do have some terramycin left over from when they were chicks - should I add a little to their water?:confused:

Chicken owners of the hive - help me!

[mrscopterdoc]

I know nothing about chickens...sorry! But I had to say that your subject title for this thread was just so funny!

I could just see you on the stage with a top hat saying "and now.....Sneezing Chickens!":D

[OnTheBrink]

I had no idea chickens could sneeze.

[HeatherH]

I know nothing about chickens...sorry! But I had to say that your subject title for this thread was just so funny!

I could just see you on the stage with a top hat saying "and now.....Sneezing Chickens!":D

Actually, if you knew me IRL - that's not too far from the truth! ;)

[Doran]

The terramycin, I mean. I was not one to administer antibiotics to my birds for the same reasons I avoided them with my children and myself. If you are more inclined to treat illness this way, then adding some terramycin would maybe be the way to go. Trouble is, terramycin is a broad spectrum abx and, as such, doesn't always help for specific illness like mycoplasma, which could be what's causing your chickens to sneeze.

I'd wait. Be diligent about keeping the litter dry and clean (moldy straw is a big source of resiratory issues in chickens). Add some vitamin solution to their water. Bolster their feed if you can by offering lots of dark leafy greens (buy some kale or collards, pull up chickweed from your yard, toss in a half a cabbage -- avoid spinach). And see if the sneezing improves. If it seems to be getting worse, you hear gurgly sounds that sound like respiratory funk, or see a lot of head shaking, you might then use the abx. That's what I'd do anyway. And, I know you're not feeling well, so hopefully your dh or someone can help you out with this stuff.

Hope ALL are feeling well soon!

Doran

[HeatherH]

Thanks, Doran -

Actually, my 3 dds spent the morning cleaning, cleaning, and cleaning the chicken coop, followed by hot showers (for them, not the chickens!) and hot cocoa. My 9yo said, "Mom, I think this has been the best day of my life!":D

Since my dh has been working about 7 jobs trying to keep us afloat financially, the cleaning of the coop has gone by the wayside - which I suspect may be the issue, judging by what you wrote. I'm so glad my girls stepped up! I'm so proud of them!

Thanks for the advice - we'll keep an eye on them!

[Susan in KY]

"avoid spinach"

May I hijack this thread to ask why?
Susan

[chickenpatty]

I had no idea chickens could sneeze.

They can also um, "toot" audibly.:eek: And, have you ever watched a chicken drink water? I could watch them do that all day! :p

One of my chickens likes to peck its reflection in dh's bumper.

I love chickens!

[HeatherH]

we love ours, too - I should name my dd "Chicken Emily"!

When she goes outside, the seven of them follow her around like she's their mama. It's HYSTERICAL! Of course, then they do stupid chicken tricks. . .. best not to ask :D