Sneeze/cough/"hiccup"--what's happening?

[pbirdhaven]

I have about three one and two-year old chickens that have developed a sound that I can only describe as a combination of sneeze, cough and hiccup. It's just an involuntary sound that reminds me of a person with Tourette's syndrome. There have been no other symptoms such as watery or crusty eyes or nose, unusual droppings, etc. that I have noticed, just the sound. They eat, drink, and are active. This has been going on for a few weeks now.
They are in my main coop, so everybody there has been on quarantine. I tried a regimen of terramycin but that seemed to have no effect, and I don't want to keep throwing medications at them without some indication of what might actually be called for.
The coop has a dirt floor, is at the edge of a wooded area, and we had LOTS of rain all spring and early in the summer, although approaching drought conditions now.
I haven't tried worming other than DE in their food.
I've kept poultry for 5 years and have dealt with predators and those pesky conditions that occasionally crop up in the birds, but this one stymies me. Any ideas from those with more experience would be greatly appreciated.

 

[seminolewind]

I have a few that do that when they get excited like at treat time.

 

[OregonChickenGal]

I have two right now that are doing that. Have been off and on for 3 to 4 months. Very healthy and happy hens otherwise. I think mine have a feather or piece of grass stuck in their crop. Awhile back, I put some mineral oil in their crop and massaged it for awhile, but it didn't help. Even turned them upside down to see if they would throw it up, but nothing. I figure as long as they feel good and are eating and drinking, I'll leave well enough alone. It still bugs me though, to hear them do that.

 

[1crazycock]

Yeah I know what you mean, mine have been doing the same thing. I hope someone that knows can answer this question.

 

[hurleygirlie05]

I saw this post was from a year ago so I was wondering if I could get an update on your hens? I have three out of my ten that are doing the same thing. They are healthy, active, eating and forraging like normal and no waterery eyes, nose or any other symptoms. I did a little search yesterday and I found the product

Oxine- http://www.amazon.com/Bio-Cide-Inte...7H8W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314023858&sr=8-1

Tested and proven effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi & viruses.
May be used at low concentrations due to its ultra high activity level.
May be used on floors, walls and ceilings of confinement facilities.
Can also be used on handling and restraining equipment, forks, shovels and scrapers.
Can be used for fogging or spraying.

I just ordered some and figured I would give it a try. Figured it might be a good thing to regularly use in the coop.

 

[pbirdhaven]

Wow--I was surprised to see an update on this thread! Two of the three hens fell prey to other causes (the 4-legged kind). The third hen, a LF cochin, still makes the sound but goes about her business as if nothing is wrong otherwise. She eats, lays, broods, etc. I have never allowed her around my chickens that she wasn't already around when this started just in case, but no one else appears to be affected.
Thanks for the info on the product--may want to try that!