alisontaylor Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Hello everyone. We are new to the world of chickens. We have two lavender bantams, 19 weeks old. We have had them about two weeks and they have settled in really well. They seem happy and are eating and drinking. But they have both started sneezing. I saw somewhere to add apple cider vinegar into their water which I started yesterday. When should I be worried about the sneezing? Any advice very welcome. P.S - should add that they are in Eglu on bark chips but are roaming around a large garden most of the day and come running happily when I shake the corn tin. Many Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 A few of mine snort a few times a day, how often are they sneezing? Is the bark the type from the garden centre or trees chipped? X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisontaylor Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 The bark chippings were from the garden centre not chipped wood. Do you think we should change? They are sneezing quiet a lot more than few time a day but just started on Saturday and have been on bark for two weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisontaylor Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 Should also say that they are out in the garden most of the day and only choose to come back to eglu at night, so when have seen them sneezing it has been in garden. Thanks for your responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 From what I understand Sneezing is normal if they get something up their nose or something irritates it like dust etc etc but runny noses with any type of discharge is a major problem, that is respiratory. The problem with respiratory illnesses is that they are contagious so your other birds will get it if they do not already have it. Also I think bark chips are a no no due to the fact they don't drain and hold bacteria(I am sure that's why but someone else will come along to confirm soon) Wood chips are fine but not bark chips:(( Sorry that's probably not what you want to hear, I get mine free from a gardener though so maybe have a ring round and see if someone can give you some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisontaylor Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 No runny nose or discharge, but will keep a close eye on them. Thanks for your advice. I will get some woodchips and try that. What should I do if they do start with runny nose? Vet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 I am afraid so, do you have a chicken savvy vet? I got recommendation from my local farm shop as I am in Bromley and its as far from rural as you can get:), the fact they seem well in all other respects is a good sign, maybe call the person you brought them from and ask if any others in the flock have any issues? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Citricidal(sp?) is meant to be good for a "cold" but would look up a vet in case they get worse. One of mine sneezes more than the others if she gets stuff up her nose and they all make a bit of a show when the run is dusty! Bark can contain mould spores so isn't recommended. If you can't see any discharge that's a good sign, also listen to their breathing to check they don't rattle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisontaylor Posted September 3, 2013 Author Share Posted September 3, 2013 Thank you for your advice. Still very happy and eating well, no nasal discharge and seem to be sneezing less but still sneezing. I am going to change the bark tomorrow and have a friend who is a vet so will ask her advice too. Saw the grapefruit stuff when searching the internet so may try that too. Gardeners cut lots of conifer trees wondered if it might be that too. Thank you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
