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[2Chiqs]

My new chicken has been coughing and sneezing for the last 3 weeks. I have tried Citridical and Herban without effect and am now dosing her on extra garlic. I am very reluctant to take her to the vet as she is otherwise very well, no bubbling eyes or nasal discharge, eating and drinking fine, though not yet laying, and the other hens seem fine. They free-range and sleep on paper shredding, so I don't think it's dusty bedding. Can chickens get hay-fever? I realize that this may weaken her lungs, but have not had much success with antibiotics and the stress caused by taking chickens to the vet. Is there anything else you could suggest I try, or shall I just persevere and hope she kicks this off with time?

[Beantree]

You don't say what breed she is or where she came from 2 Chiqs. Yes, in my experience chickens can get hay fever as we have had several apparent cases. But it usually only becomes evident when they are stressed in other ways from say a new move, worms, illness or age. We did have a hybrid that sneezed almost constantly for two years, to the extent that her nasal openings were rather enlarged. She sounded a bit like Kenneth Williams!

 

So you just need to keep a close watch on her to make sure it doesn't develop into something serious. So you will be looking for bubbles in the eye or a rattly chest. Swollen eyes often come with this 'hay fever' to the extent that we pulled one old hen out that could hardly see. After 24 hours in the house she was right as rain, so it couldn't have been anything else but an allergy.

[2Chiqs]

She is a Warren/Rhode island hybrid and comes from a local poultry supplier whom I have used many times over the past few years. I think she was about 16 weeks old when we got her, so now about 20/21 weeks. I would assume she would come into lay fairly soon, unless this respiratory problem is likely to hold things up? I think I'm prepared to let it run its course, but just wondered if anyone had found a good alternative solution for treatment or easing of respiratory problems other than antibiotics.

[Beantree]

As she is a hybrid it is most likely a stress related (new home) mild flare-up of the ILT immunisation virus 2Chiqs, but as I said watch her closely. Respiratory infections must be treated with antibiotics quickly, because they can cause permanent lung damage otherwise. So the first sign of laboured breathing or a rattly chest and she needs treatment. Have you picked her up and listened to her breathing?

[2Chiqs]

Yes I have and she seems ok at the moment, so I think I'll keep monitoring. Thanks for the advice.