[haychickilady]

i have had my four beautiful girls for just over two weeks now, sitting out with them this afternoon i noticed them sneezing, they all seem quite happy and are eating/drinking fine. should i be worried? any advice appreciated! x

[Aunt Sally]

I'd be a little concerned to be honest.

Are they all sneezing ? 

Does there breathing sound at all rattly ?

Is there any discharge or bubbles from their nose or eyes?

Any 'Yes' answers and I'd probably get a vets opinion and some antibiotics.

[haychickilady]

no, none of the symptoms you've described... what do you think?   i've read that apple cider vinegar helps, should i try this? im pretty sure they had never seen outside, the first bit of rain we got they all stood puzzled looking at the sky, after about 10 minutes 4 drenched chickens took cover in their house and wouldnt come out again till the rain stoped!!

[Foxy]

Interestingly it is a myth that chickens catch colds, they dont, but respiratory infections in chickens are common and easily spread. They are caused by bacteria and are very infectious. The odd sneeze is nothing to worry about, however, if they are all sneezing, as Aunty suggests they may need a quick look by the vet and a course of antibiotics to sort them out. The other thing our chooks do very well is hide their symptoms very well and often only an experienced eye will detect a problem early -which is another good reason to check with a poultry friendly vet.

Keep us posted,bombard us with questions and oh we do like to see piccies!

[Aunt Sally]

I think I'd rather treat them sooner than later.  the longer it's left the deeper seated the infection can be and more difficult to treat.

It sounds as if you've not had them long and so they will have been infected before yoiu bought them.  I sugest you contact your supplier as well as the vet.  The supplier may give you a refund.

[haychickilady]

thanks guys, their booked in at the vets for tomorrow! should be fun i will put some pics on of the girls soon, absolutely loving having them, i caught betty, my black rock, in the barbeque tonight! if only she knew....