[Sooz]

Went out this evening to find five of my girls sneezing.  I think it may have something to do with some dusty straw I used (Blast!)  
I put some garlic in their water.
Any other suggestions?

[Sooz]

I've had to bring them inside - one of them is really rattling.
At least they have been drinking since I brought them in.
Anyone any suggestions?

[bantam novice]

I am not an expert and just wanted to say good luck with your hens.  I'm sure someone more experienced will be along to advise you.

[Sooz]

I've been reading round.
They do not have runny noses or any discharge, just rattly breathing.
I think it is definitely an irritation.
The annoying thing is, I have just got one of my girls better from being egg bound, to get this!!
Aaagghhh!

[gracie]

I have had an odd night or two where my chickens have all sneezed then nothing the next day other than an odd sneeze. The first night I was sure they were all doomed but then other than an odd sneeze or two nothing for another month. I'm not saying you should ignore sneezing I am always more alert for other symptoms. I now believe they have a form of hay fever ( though I don't use straw or hay) it is at least an irritant in the air

[GrannieAnnie]

If they have no other symptoms, could it be hayfever from the dusty straw?

One of my Rhode Island Reds sneezes only in the summer.  I give her the odd Clarityn crushed into her water and it usually goes away in a couple of days.

If the rattle gets worse or they get bubbly eyes or nostrils, then start to worry, but when some of my chicks several years ago caught a respiratory infection from some new chicks I bought in, they caught it one at a time, not all together.

Hope they'll be okay!

[Sooz]

I have kept two of them in the kitchen tonight, in boxes.
They are the worst of the bunch and seem to be quite rattly, although they do not have runny noses or bubbly eyes - yet.
I am convinced this was brought on by dusty straw....it was the end of the bag.
I have ordered some Respite - in the meantime, they have had garlic in their water.
Only one other is slightly off colour now, but she is in the coop.
I shall keep my fingers crossed for the morning - but Clarityn sounds an interesting idea, especially as I should be able to get some tomorrow - the Respite won't arrive until next week.  Thanks for the tip. 

[GrannieAnnie]

Worth a try Sooz, my hen has had Clarityn for 2 years and it hasn't harmed her in any way!

Of course, if it is CRD, then Clarityn won't help, but.......   

[Sooz]

They're no better. 

[Sooz]

Right!
The rattling seems to have gone, but they are still a bit lethargic.
All the birds are now eating & drinking ok.  Garlic in the water, waiting for Respite to arrive.
Only problem now, is my Black Rock, who was never sneezing or rattly, now has a completely closed up puffy eye. AAaggghh! 
I've bathed it in salty water, but I think this is a sinus problem too.
Think this one means a trip to the vet.

To add insult to injury, two of my girls have decided to moult!! (Can't say I blame them  )

[joyfull]

fingers crossed it's not too bad

[bantam novice]

Good luck Sooz.

[Sooz]

£28 lighter from trip to the vet.
Eye drops and Baytril.  Fingers crossed.
All this has not suppressed her appetite though!!

[Sooz]

Update.
The eye drops worked.  The Yodina, the Black Rock's eye is almost back to normal and she is the perkiest of the lot.
Two are still slightly rattly, but are eating and drinking fine.
But Rosie is proper poorly.  She is breathing ok, but just standa in the corner.  Not interested in food or water.
I have force fed her some water with Baytril, but she doesn't look good.
I think all the rest will pull through, but not so sure about Rosie. 

[bantam novice]

Good luck with Rosie, Sooz.