[chuckmum]

I just picked up two new chickens yesterday afternoon, when I went out at 6 am to let them out of their bed I could hear  snuffling. I thought that one of them had done the other in during the night and it was breathing its last. However they were both intact, although the Maran x sounds congested and is sneezing every couple of minutes or so. The RIR has sneezed but not as much. I am concerned for my own flock - thank goodness I bought the spare coop!

Any ideas what it might be, I am fairly certain I will be ringing the place I got them from to take them back. Shame though as the sneezer laid an egg for us and is my children's new hen, but I am concerned and would rather the kids didn't get attached to a sick chook.

[joyfull]

best to be safe and take them back, sometimes stress (like moving) can bring out a respiritory illness such as mycoplasma (loads of birds have it unfortunately and should never be bred from). It could be something simple like a change to the wood shavings etc but not worth risking your original flock 

[chuckmum]

That is exactly what I feel - thanks. I rang the place I got them and they took them back no problem. I now have two bantam Maran pullets from a different breeder - they are lovely!