Ammonia smell in coop-first time owner

[Happily]

Ok, so am on day 4 of chicken keeping and a bit worried so need some advice as I am scared that I should be doing something that I am not.

 

Poppy (my lemon cuckoo pekin) seems to cough/sneeze every so often, she has been doing this ever since I got her home. Should I be doing something or taking her to a vet to get her checked over?

 

Also Blossom (my buff pekin) has a pooey bum - can I worm them as they are only 12 weeks old and I don't know if they are too young? And if worming them the right thing to do if she has a pooey bum?

 

Any advise is greatly appreciated - thanks in advance.

[Egluntyne]

Did you get them from a reliable source?

 

Often, the upset of a move can give them a bit of a funny tummy for a day or two.

 

Does the sneezing hen have a snotty nose or rattly chest?

 

Were they kept outdoors before you got them?

 

You can worm hens of this age, but I'd leave it a little while, and give her a chance to settle.

 

Cut back on greens and treats and keep her on pellets and fresh water for now.

 

You can buy Citridal in the Omlet shop, which is useful for sniffles.

[Happily]

Thank you for replying, I got them at a local poultry auction run by the local poultry club. I am wondering if this was sensible now - I did speak to the breeders and experienced chicken people in the poultry club before buying and all seemed fine. Maybe I was a bit niaive

 

She doesn't have a snotty nose or a rattly chest and yes they were kept outdoors before. Maybe as you said it is just the upset of the move so will keep an eye on them for the next few days. They all seem well in themselves and are scratching about, dustbathing and eating/drinking ok.

 

Thanks for your help x

[Chucky Mama]

Worming probably should not be a priority at the moment.The stress of moving often brings on sniffles or slightly runny tummies. They really need to get over the move before you think of worming them. They are young and If they have been kept indoors until now they shouldn't be at risk of a high worm burden.

[Happily]

Thank you, I feel reassured now x