Do chickens sneeze? ( Find Out!)

Last Updated on June 20, 2023

 

I know you have come here worryingly. I am damn sure that you have noticed the wheezing sound from your chickens. While jerking their head forward, they make a high-pitched sound when sneeze. Now you are looking if it is a matter of concern or not.

Your concerns are right. Sneezing can be normal but it can also be because of some underlying disease. The very first thing you are asking yourself right now is when to consider sneezing at chickens seriously.

Here I am clearing your doubts. Random sneezing is normal. But if your chicken sneezes continuously and if the entire flock keeps on sneezing, then consult the vet.

Do chickens sneeze

The very first move you should make after finding a sick chicken in your flock is to quarantine it. Don’t quarantine a poor chicken on a random sneeze.

Another fact that you should consider is the environment. If your two-legged pet lives in a dusty environment, the dust particles can make them sneeze.

Causes of sneezing

I know you are probably thinking about the reason for sneezing. You will be surprised to know that the causes have a non-exhaustive list.

There can be environmental factors, bacteria, and viruses. I am going to discuss all these factors one by one.

Environmental factors

Don’t miss out on the necessary care tips for your chicken. Otherwise, improper management can lead your chickens to suffer from respiratory problems. Here are the factors that can cause sneezing in chickens.

Food

 I am pretty sure that you are thinking what’s the link between food and the respiratory system? Don’t worry, I have an explanation. But I have to ask a question before. Have you noticed the appearance of your chicken closely?

If not, notice it right now. You will see that the nostrils of chickens are present right above their beak. So, they can inhale small food particles. Dust food can also make them sneeze.

Chicken coop conditions

Before going to the point, think about it by yourself. Can you live in the same conditions that you have provided to your chicks? If not, then improve their living conditions.

Just like you, they also love a clean house and fresh bedding. ‘A clean house is a happy house. But for chickens, it is a safe and healthy house.

Are you thinking about the ways through which you can improve their conditions? I have a tip for you then. Choose the right bedding for them. Oily fragrances can make them sneeze. So, choose wisely.

Have you ever heard about poultry dust? If not, then read it here. Poultry dust is a combination of bedding dust, mold, parasites, and poop. Isn’t it sounding like something extremely unhealthy?

Yes, it is. It’s dangerous for you. But for chickens, it is far more dangerous than any other toxin.

Chicken poops have a pungent smell that you have probably experienced. This poop releases very toxic ammonia. Poor ventilation also adds more to the pungent smell. Imagine living in that environment. Believe me, it will be a living hell.

Bacterial infections

It is extremely sad to know that bacteria will attack your chicks when they have low immunity. Do you know what is the worst thing? These infections spread quickly from one chick to another.

One of the common symptoms of all illnesses is the stop eating and drinking. The hens don’t lay eggs.

Mycoplasma

Just like humans, Mycoplasma also causes disease in chickens. Have you heard of a condition called chronic respiratory disease? The infections from mycoplasma are collectively called CRD.

The bacterium named Mycoplasma gallisepticum is the most common strain that causes infections. You will be surprised that this strain remains dormant in adult carriers?

The question that will come to your mind is if it is dormant then how it can cause disease?

I am sad to tell you that it becomes activated when a chicken has low immunity.

I know you are curious to know the clear symptoms of the disease. If you notice that your chicken has difficulty in breathing, has a runny nose, and has watery eyes then most probably your chicken is suffering from a disease.

Infectious Coryza

I regret to inform you that this respiratory disease is triggered by stress. This infection spreads through contaminated water and air.

Unfortunately, contact with asymptomatic birds will quickly spread the disease. Is it a pleasant sight to see all your pets sick?

My heart still rants when I recall that unfortunate event. I found symptoms in my chickens. Upon laboratory tests, it was revealed that they were suffering from respiratory disease.

I tried my best to save them but I couldn’t. I don’t want you to suffer the same. That’s why I am warning you guys again and again.

The symptoms of this disease are swelling of the face and smelly nasal discharge.

Viral infections

Bird flu

Ah, the most popular and disgusting disease. It doesn’t occur commonly. But if it occurs, it spread very quickly.

Are you wondering why this infection has so much hype? This is because it contaminates chicken meat. A single outbreak can cause the loss of billions of dollars.

One of the devastating effects of eating infected meat is, that you can also catch the virus. If you have flu-like symptoms and diarrhea after eating chicken meat, immediately consult your doctor.

This disease has two types. Highly pathogenic and mild. Bird flu is proven to be fatal for chickens.

Infectious bronchitis

Just to be clear, this Coronavirus only affects chickens. It is not the same as COVID. Do you want to know the symptoms? Baby chicks cough and sneeze for about 2 weeks.

They can get better with boosted immune systems. What is the sign of this disease?

This virus causes the hens to produce soft, misshapen eggs. How to confirm the diagnosis?

An RT-PCR test similar to humans is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

It’s the point that everyone asks for. When you notice sneezing from your chickens because of dust, clean the dust. Then notice if the symptoms disappear or not.

If your chick doesn’t stop sneezing, then take it to the vet. The treatment entirely depends upon the cause of the disease.

Still, wants some guidance? Antibiotics, herbal supplements, and other medications can cure your pet.

However, I would not recommend you try medicines on your own. Do you want to know the consequences of self-medication? You can even worsen the disease. It’s best to follow the veterinarian’s advice.

When your chickens are recovering make sure that you have provided them clean and dirt-free environment.

Prevention

After reading about all these symptoms and conditions, I am sure that you are frightened. You might be telling yourself that ‘I will not let all this happen to my innocent chicks’.

I admire you for this type of thinking. But to prevent all this to happen, you need to adopt precautionary measures. Prevention is the key to healthy pets.

Even if your chicks are not sneezing, still you should adopt precautionary measures.

Here are a few tips that you should follow

Keep the coop clean

As I have mentioned earlier, the living environment should be clean at any cost. Many diseases are spread from the poop of chickens. Cleaning up the bird waste greatly eliminates the risk.

Provide proper ventilation

Proper ventilation and spacious area are also necessary for chickens. They should get proper fresh air and light.

Fresh food and water

Can you imagine eating stale food every day? If you are a responsible owner, then you should know what amount of food needs adult and baby chicks.

Baby chicks need more amount of protein while adult chickens need more calcium. I also want to draw your attention to their water. Whenever you find their water pot dirty, change it immediately.

 It is advised by expert poultry nutritionists that their water should be changed daily.

Vaccination

Yes, vaccination is the most important precautionary measure. You might have listened to the vaccination of pets and different animals. The same is for chickens.

Vaccination prevents chickens from getting lethal diseases like Newcastle disease, Infectious Bronchitis, and Infectious Laryngotracheitis.

Before vaccination, talk to your vet and follow his instructions. He will recommend different vaccines for your chickens accordingly.

do chickens sneeze or cough

Chickens can sneeze and cough, just like humans and other animals. Common causes include respiratory infections, irritants, and allergies. If you notice excessive sneezing or coughing in your chickens, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Chicken sneezing is normal if you are keeping them in a dust area. But if one of your chicks has been sneezing for days, then it is a matter of concern. A nasal discharge and watery eyes are tell-tale signs of respiratory problems.

Quarantine that chick and take him to the vet as soon as possible.