16 day old chick sneezing, stretching neck and head shaking.

[walkerranch23]

My 16 day old Plymouth Rock chick has been sneezing, stretching out neck with her mouth open, and shaking her head. I use pine shavings in the brooder. She is eating and drinking good with normal poop. Vent is clean and clear. I have not checked in her mouth for any signs of blockage or anything like that. Could it be the chick starter? It is pretty dusty when you get down to the “bottom of the bucket.” Any suggestions of what I can do for her? The other 4 chicks are not doing any of those things. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[alinas2010]

Hello sorry to hear about your chick. Is she still eating and drinking okay? Is she active? Any discharge, bubbles or drainage from the eyes, ears, nose or mouth? How are the other chicks?

What are they eating and do they have access to grit if they are getting anything besides chick feed?

Sorry so many questions! It may just be dusty in the brooder, what is their bedding? Sometimes if the brooder is too warm they may pant, also, which can be open mouth breathing.. Do they have a spot to get out of the heat if needed?

 

[RuralAmy]

One of my 4 week old chicks is doing the same thing. Head shake and sneezing. I feel like it might be dust, though they are in an XL dog crate with great ventilation. I do notice that my kitchen table next to their brooder seems to always have a layer of dust on it making me believe it might be that. Just to be safe I did crush, finely dice, then smash (to bring out the juice) of 1 garlic clove and put it in their fresh water. I also added turmeric powder to their feed in hope to boost the immune system and heal her in case it is a respiratory disease (and all the rest of the girls can consume it). We will be keeping a close eye on her to see if she get better or worse in the next week. If not we will move onto other things to heal. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and find a solution.

 

[alinas2010]

One of my 4 week old chicks is doing the same thing. Head shake and sneezing. I feel like it might be dust, though they are in an XL dog crate with great ventilation. I do notice that my kitchen table next to their brooder seems to always have a layer of dust on it making me believe it might be that. Just to be safe I did crush, finely dice, then smash (to bring out the juice) of 1 garlic clove and put it in their fresh water. I also added turmeric powder to their feed in hope to boost the immune system and heal her in case it is a respiratory disease (and all the rest of the girls can consume it). We will be keeping a close eye on her to see if she get better or worse in the next week. If not we will move onto other things to heal. I'm sorry you are dealing with this and find a solution.

Although garlic may have health benefits, be sure to provide them with a fresh water source (w/o garlic), also. Like humans they all have differences in taste preferences and adding garlic to their water may deter some from drinking it and lead to dehydration. Sorry if you already know this

Things like electrolytes, poultry cell and probiotics can also be added to their water and offer similar benefits to garlic without the taste. I know they can be more expensive sometimes, though.