Help!

I have 3 week old chicks. They have a heat lamp. A dry draft free home. They have all started sneezing. In ten years I have never experienced this. Has anybody else? And what could I do to treat them? Thanks very much.

-- Debbie (serendip@rocler.qc.ca), September 07, 2000

Answers

Debbie, I would try some VetRX, you should be able to find it in a well stocked feed store. I cannot remeber the exact recomendation but you should find the directions in the box. Good Luck!!!

-- Mark (deadgoatman@webtv.net), September 07, 2000.

I have found that Vicks works better than VetRx. Rub some on top of their heads, under the bottom beak and a thin layer over the nostrils.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), September 07, 2000.

At 3 weeks they should be pretty feathered out by now. correct? Are you starting to raise the lamp off them gradually? Do the chicks look or act sick? Are they still eating? What kind of bedding are you using? As they get older and bigger, they will need more room. You will find that a healthier bird is one who has abundant space. Maybe you need to expand their area at this time. I have a friend who puts whole onions with brewers yeast in their water. Keeps them healthy and calm.

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), September 07, 2000.

Thanks everyone for the prompt replies! I am giving them the canadian equivalent of VetRX at this time. Yes they are getting their feathers, they are on wood shavings, and in a very spacious environment. I do appreciate all of the advice. Thanks.

-- Debbie (serendip@rocler.qc.ca), September 07, 2000.

It could be the feed. If it is finely ground, it could make them sneeze. Pellets or cracked grains are easier for them to eat and they waste less. Also, I lost three chickens by feeding diatomaceous earth, which is too powdery. The wood shavings may be too fine, also. Mary

-- Mary Fraley (kmfraley@orwell.net), September 08, 2000.