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Have you ever noticed your chickens sneezing? Sometimes, a sneeze could indicate more than just a minor issue; it might be a sign of a respiratory problem. If you observe that some of your chickens are sneezing, with or without other symptoms, don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through handling this situation.
Dealing with sick chickens can be one of the most challenging experiences for poultry farmers, especially if you’re new to raising chickens. It can be difficult to identify the causes and find the right treatment, which can lead to the unfortunate loss of birds. But with the right knowledge, you can take the necessary steps to help your chickens recover and keep your flock healthy.
Do Chickens Sneeze? (Can Chickens Sneeze?)
Yes, chickens do sneeze, and there are specific reasons for it, with respiratory diseases being the most common culprit. Chickens have relatively weak respiratory systems, making them susceptible to infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
It’s not unusual to hear your chickens sneezing or coughing from time to time. In addition to respiratory issues, other factors like dust, allergic reactions, and weather conditions can also trigger sneezing. You might even catch a soft “Achoo” from one of your birds.
While occasional sneezing due to environmental factors or certain foods isn’t usually a cause for concern, it’s important to consult a vet if the sneezing becomes more frequent or severe.
Here are the reasons why chickens sneeze and what you can do to treat it.
1. Upper Respiratory Infection
One of the main reasons chickens sneeze could be an upper respiratory infection. This is the most common infection and is usually harmless. Symptoms of this infection include sneezing, wheezing, heavy breathing, ruffled plumage, nasal discharge, and watering eyes.
This infection can be easily treated by the vet. Generally, a combination of antibiotics is enough to treat such infections.
2. Mycoplasma Gallisepticum
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (commonly referred to as MG) is one of the most costly diseases for commercial poultry farms, and it could be the culprit behind your chicken’s sneezing. Also known as Chronic Respiratory Disease, this bacterial infection relies on a host to survive and can persist for several days.
Symptoms of MG include nasal discharge, inflamed air sacs, pneumonia, swollen heads, and sneezing. In severe cases, it can even affect a chicken’s ability to lay eggs. However, some chickens may show no symptoms at all. To combat this disease, vaccines are available, and antibiotics are often used for treatment.
3. Mycoplasma Synoviae
Mycoplasma synoviae is another respiratory disorder that can also lead to joint issues in chickens. If your chicken is sneezing, this could be the underlying cause. Symptoms of this condition include a slower growth rate, reduced egg production, sneezing, gurgling, wheezing, nasal discharge, and swollen joints.
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a blood test. Fortunately, vaccines and antibiotics are available to help prevent and treat this disease.
4. Infectious Bronchitis
Infectious Bronchitis (or IB) is mainly caused due to avian flu. Some of the most common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, poor laying abilities, etc. In extreme situations, it can even lead to the death of birds, especially little chicks.
5. Avian Influenza
Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is typically caused by the type A influenza virus and can sometimes spread to other birds. There are two forms of this flu: HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) and LPAI (Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza). Both types share common symptoms such as sneezing, head swelling, tremors, and reduced egg production. However, HPAI is more severe and often results in higher fatality rates compared to LPAI.
In addition to avian influenza, chickens are susceptible to various other illnesses.
6. Gapeworm
Gapeworms make their home in the trachea of birds and then move towards their lungs to cause respiratory disorders. The symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and gaping in the mouth.
7. Fowl Pox
Fowl Pox is commonly known by other names such as chickenpox, bird pox, and sometimes avian diphtheria. These poxes can form inside the mouths, tracheas, pharynx, and larynx of the birds and block the air passage.
8. Newcastle Disease (Pneumoencephalitis)
The common signs of this illness are eye and nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, shaking, and trembling.
9. Infectious Coryza (roup, coryza)
This infection usually leads to swelling of the face, mucous discharge from the nose, gurgling sounds while breathing, etc.
Why Are Baby Chicks Sneezing?
Baby chicks are fragile and have underdeveloped immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to respiratory infections and diseases. This is often the primary reason for their sneezing. Since baby chicks don’t consume much food or water, environmental factors and food conditions are less likely to be the cause of their sneezing.
The most common respiratory illnesses affecting chickens include bronchitis, avian influenza, mycoplasma, and various bacterial infections. Sneezing is a typical symptom of these ailments and can have a significant impact on baby chicks.
If your chicks are sneezing frequently, the first step is to identify the underlying cause. This is crucial because understanding the cause is the key to preventing or treating their illness effectively. To assist you, here are some of the most common diseases that can affect chickens.
Can You Eat Meat From Sneezing Chickens?
Whether or not you can eat meat from a sneezing chicken depends on the bird’s overall health. If the sneezing is mild and caused by environmental factors like dust or dirt, it might be safe to butcher the chicken and consume its meat. However, if the chicken is sneezing frequently and you’re unsure of the cause, it’s best to avoid eating it.
Eating meat from a sick bird carries significant risks, so it’s safer not to process any diseased chickens. Always keep ill birds separated from the rest of your flock to prevent the spread of illness. On the other hand, if the chicken has a physical injury, such as a broken leg, but is otherwise healthy, the meat is generally safe to eat.
Chickens Sneezing Without Other Symptoms
If your chickens are sneezing but show no other symptoms, it’s likely due to dust or allergic reactions. In these cases, the sneezing is usually short-lived and stops on its own, so there’s no need for medication or a vet visit.
The key is to maintain good hygiene and monitor their diet. Ensure their environment is clean and well-sanitized, and keep an eye on what they’re eating. If you notice them consuming something they shouldn’t, intervene right away to prevent further issues.
Chickens Sneezing While Eating
It’s quite common for chickens to sneeze while eating or drinking, and there’s usually no cause for concern. Chickens have small beaks and nostrils but tend to eat and drink quickly.
Sometimes, food particles or dust can get into their nostrils, causing them to sneeze as a way to clear it out. It’s a simple and natural response. Similarly, if they accidentally get water up their nose, they’ll sneeze to expel it.
You might also notice sneezing if the feed you’re giving them is dusty or of poor quality.
Chickens Sneezing and Shaking Their Heads
Sneezing by itself isn’t necessarily a sign of a respiratory problem. However, when it’s combined with other symptoms, it could indicate a more serious infection. Typically, sneezing paired with head shaking is associated with illnesses like bird flu or avian influenza.
These symptoms are often accompanied by swollen eyes and heads, nasal discharge, and darkened combs. Other signs of respiratory issues may include coughing, gasping, and rattling breaths.
Chickens Sneezing And Wheezing
When your chickens are sneezing and wheezing, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent the infection from spreading to other birds. These symptoms are often associated with respiratory issues, leading to labored breathing and a rattling sound.
Unlike in humans, sneezing and wheezing in chickens are typically caused by bacterial infections, such as Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD). While healthy birds may be able to fend off these infections, weaker chickens or baby chicks are more vulnerable and can develop serious health problems.
Environmental stress can exacerbate the disease, making it even more challenging for your chickens to recover. Factors such as stress, extreme temperatures, dirty living conditions, and contaminated food and water can all contribute to the onset of bacterial infections.
Chicken respiratory illnesses often develop gradually, so symptoms may not be immediately apparent. To protect your flock, it’s crucial to detect and address these infections early before they worsen.
Chickens Sneezing And Diarrhea
When chickens experience sneezing and diarrhea, it’s usually due to one of two main reasons: overeating or an internal infection. If one of your chickens is persistently sneezing and has diarrhea, it could be a sign of an upper respiratory disease. In such cases, chickens often pass more liquid than usual, which is not normal and indicates that something is seriously wrong.
It’s crucial to act quickly if you notice these symptoms. Sometimes, determining the exact cause of the illness—viral, bacterial, or parasitic—can be challenging. However, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often effective in treating both bacterial infections and secondary infections caused by viruses.
Always ensure that your flock receives proper medication and vaccinations to prevent illness. If your chicken is sneezing and suffering from diarrhea, keep it open, well-ventilated, and provide plenty of fresh water and healthy food. Avoid feeding it foods that might worsen the diarrhea, such as nuts, yogurt, or pulses. You can also offer an electrolyte solution for about three days to help stabilize the chicken’s condition.
Treating A Sneezing Chicken
Proper treatment is essential not only to help the sick bird recover but also to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the flock. If you notice that one of your chickens is sneezing frequently and showing additional symptoms, the first step is to isolate the affected bird to prevent it from spreading the illness to others.
After isolating the bird, follow these steps:
- Consult a Vet: The most important thing is to determine the cause of your chicken’s illness. Once you know what’s causing the problem, you can provide more effective treatment.
- Provide a Clean, Ventilated Space: Keep the sick chicken in a clean, well-ventilated, and properly sanitized area. Dust and dirt can sometimes be the culprits behind sneezing, so ensuring a clean environment is crucial.
- Protect the Flock: Make sure the rest of your flock is safe from the infected bird. If other chickens show symptoms, quarantine them as well.
Benefits of Quarantining:
- Ensures the safety of the other birds.
- Helps trace and identify the cause of the illness.
- Provides a better healing environment for the sick chicken.
Using Antibiotics
For mild infections, certain antibiotics can be effective, along with making some environmental adjustments like cleaning the coop and replacing bedding. Natural remedies such as clove water or garlic can also help fight infections.
Maintaining a Healthy Coop
After addressing the immediate illness, it’s important to evaluate and improve your chicken coop:
- Ensure Security: A secure coop keeps predators out and your chickens safe.
- Improve Ventilation: Chickens have weak respiratory systems and are prone to issues if air circulation is poor.
- Keep the Coop Clean: Regular cleaning, at least once a week, and a deep clean once a month are crucial for maintaining a healthy environment.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Provide enough space for each chicken to move freely to reduce stress and illness.
- Vaccinate and Medicate: Keep your chickens up to date on vaccinations and have medications on hand for when they’re needed.
Recommended Antibiotics for Sneezing Chickens
As a responsible chicken owner, it’s wise to have a stock of antibiotics ready for your flock. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are particularly useful for treating bacterial and viral infections, including the common cold.
Some commonly used antibiotics include Baytril, Tylan, and Doxycycline. However, always consult with your vet before administering any medication.
