Why is it that your chicken is exhibiting sneezing behavior?

Discover the underlying causes, available treatments, and preventive measures to address this unusual phenomenon. In this informative article, we will explore the reasons behind chicken sneezing, its symptoms, and potential remedies.

What is the sound of a chicken sneezing?

Similar to other animals, chickens sometimes experience the unpleasant sensation of sneezing. When chickens sneeze, they emit a high-pitched squeak and quickly move their heads forward. Although it resembles the sneezes of other creatures to some extent, it has a more distinct and sharp tone.

When there are allergens present in the air, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander, it is normal for certain chickens to exhibit these symptoms.

However, chicken sneezing can be caused by a variety of other, more serious factors.

What leads to chicken sneezing?

Being housed in an unclean or contaminated environment can cause chicken sneezing. Generally, a solitary sneeze is not a cause for concern. Nevertheless, if the sneezing persists, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. If a chicken sneezes but quickly resumes its normal activities, there is likely no reason to be alarmed.

However, if the sneezing continues and is accompanied by wheezing and coughing, it should be treated as a serious matter.

The following factors are among the potential causes of these symptoms:

1Irritated Nose

When chickens sneeze, it's their body's way of removing dust and particles from their airways, which can irritate their noses and potentially reach their lungs. This is especially common in chickens living in dusty environments like barns.

Additionally, chickens may sneeze when there's a sudden temperature change or when they come into contact with pollen during the spring, as their sensitive airways can be irritated. Their diet can also contribute to sneezing, as particles can easily enter their nostrils due to their close proximity to their beaks. However, these situations don't require any specific action.

2Gapeworm in Chickens

Gapeworms can infect chickens if they accidentally consume the parasite's larvae present in the environment, feed, or water contaminated by infected bird feces. Wild birds can also carry and transmit the parasite's larvae through their droppings.

Chickens can acquire the disease by consuming infected earthworms, snails, or slugs, which can further spread the infection to other animals. Once ingested, the larvae travel through the chicken's gastrointestinal system and reach the trachea, where they reproduce, lay eggs, and feed on blood.

The eggs are either regurgitated or swallowed by the chicken, and when other birds consume them, the cycle continues, spreading the infection.

Clinical Signs of Gapeworm in Chickens

Chickens with gapeworms often exhibit extended necks and open mouths, as if gasping for air. This behavior is caused by the presence of multiple worms in the trachea, partially or completely obstructing the airflow. Severe infestations can lead to suffocation if left untreated.

Young chickens, smaller breeds like bantams, and smaller chickens in general are more susceptible to gapeworms due to the size of their trachea. If there's more space for the worms to attach without blocking the airflow, the chicken is less likely to experience breathing difficulties.

Gapeworms are parasitic worms that inhabit the tracheas of chickens and can also be transmitted to humans. If left untreated, they can block the chicken's airway, causing suffocation and depleting the chicken's resources.

Chickens with gapeworms may sneeze and cough as they attempt to expel the worms and regain normal breathing.

3Infectious Laryngotracheitis in Chickens

The acute form of the infectious laryngotracheitis virus typically appears 5-12 days after exposure, causing symptoms such as gasping, coughing up bloody mucus-like discharge, rattling sounds, and neck extension during inhalation.

Laying flocks can experience a decrease in egg production due to various factors. Birds affected by this condition show symptoms of anorexia and lethargy.

The mortality rate can vary, and in adults, it can reach as high as 50%. Among adults, the primary cause of death is usually a blocked trachea resulting from bleeding or pus.

After approximately two weeks, the signs of the illness should start improving, although some birds may display symptoms for a longer duration.

Strains with low virulence cause minimal or no fatalities in humans and result in mild respiratory symptoms and a slight decline in egg production.

Even after being treated, birds continue to carry the infection throughout their lives and can transmit it to other vulnerable bird species. Under unfavorable conditions, the dormant virus can become active again. Additionally, there is a risk of the infection spreading through physical contact.

Several outbreaks of contagious diseases have been linked to the movement of sick birds and the contamination of equipment and waste by these birds.

Given the contagious nature of the disease, it is crucial to isolate birds showing any signs of sickness. Sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, and swollen sinuses are common symptoms in chickens, particularly during winter.

If left untreated, the disease can be fatal. However, early detection of symptoms provides a chance for gradual recovery in affected birds.

4Bird Flu in Chickens

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a respiratory illness in birds caused by influenza A viruses. Wild birds like ducks, gulls, and shorebirds can potentially carry and spread these viruses, even without exhibiting any signs of illness.

Avian influenza can cause death in chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese raised as pets.

The rapid spread of avian influenza requires direct contact between infected birds. Indirect transmission can also occur when birds come into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that can be transmitted to humans and other mammals. Therefore, there is a risk of contracting the virus from infected chickens.

Sneezing is one of the initial symptoms of this uncommon condition. Other symptoms include coughing, lethargy, reduced egg production, nasal discharge, facial swelling, tremors, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and drooping wings.

Infectious Coryza in Chickens

Infectious coryza is another bacterial disease that affects chickens. It causes mucus buildup in the nasal passages, leading to frequent sneezing and coughing.

In its mildest form, infectious coryza may only exhibit symptoms such as lethargy, clear nasal discharge, and occasional facial swelling.

As the condition worsens, there can be severe swelling of the infraorbital sinuses, making it difficult for the birds to fully open their eyes.

In adult birds, the swelling may spread to the intermandibular space and wattles, particularly in males.

The swelling usually subsides within ten to fourteen days. However, if a secondary infection develops, it can persist for several months. The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection.

An Argentine study reported a variant of the disease called "bacteremia," likely due to concurrent infections. In young pullets, egg production may be delayed, while in older hens, it may significantly decrease.

During the early stages of the disease, infected birds may experience diarrhea and reduced appetite and drinking.

As the symptoms worsen, breathing difficulties, facial swelling, and a loss of appetite can occur. Infected chickens pose a significant threat to other birds and should be isolated.

5Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Chickens

Morbidity rates are almost always 100% in flocks affected by infectious bronchitis. In the first 10 to 14 days of life, chicks may exhibit coughing, sneezing, and tracheal rales.

Conjunctivitis, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and facial swelling can also occur, especially when there is a concurrent bacterial sinus infection.

Depression and huddling together under heat lamps are common behaviors observed in affected chicks. They consume less feed and gain less weight.

Infections with nephropathogenic strains initially manifest as respiratory symptoms but progress to depression, ruffled feathers, watery droppings, increased water consumption, and eventually death.

Laying hens may experience a decrease in egg production of up to 70%. The eggs produced may have misshapen, thin, soft, wrinkled, rough, or pale shells, and they may be smaller with watery albumen.

Normal egg production and quality can be restored, but it may take up to eight weeks. Mortality rates typically range around 5%, but they can reach up to 60% in certain circumstances.

For instance, mortality rates are higher when the disease is complicated by concurrent bacterial infections or when nephropathogenic strains cause interstitial nephritis in chicks.

Infections in chicks can lead to permanent damage to the oviduct, resulting in layers or breeders that never reach normal production levels. This condition is known as "false layer syndrome."

6Spread of Viruses among Chickens

Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease is a contagious respiratory disease that can spread among chickens. It poses a higher risk to chicks and pullets compared to adult chickens. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, diarrhea, and fatigue.

It can lead to paralysis and even death if not detected early. While humans are not usually affected, direct contact with infected birds may cause a short-term eye infection.

Clinical Signs of Newcastle Disease

Clinical signs of Newcastle disease can vary from acute onset with high mortality to milder forms with respiratory distress or decreased egg production.

Signs may include sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing, watery diarrhea, depression, muscular tremors, drooping wings, paralysis, tissue swelling around the eyes and neck, sudden death, increased flock mortality, and changes in egg production.

Spread of Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease spreads from infected birds to healthy ones through droppings and secretions from the mouth, nose, and eyes. Direct contact between infected and uninfected birds is the primary mode of transmission. Contaminated materials, such as shoes, clothing, vehicles, equipment, manure, feed, and water, can also spread the virus.

The virus can survive for weeks in warm and humid environments. Direct contact with infected birds' bodily fluids, particularly feces and aerosols, is the main way the disease spreads.

Mycoplasma Gallisepticum in Chickens

Mycoplasma Gallisepticum is a bacterial disease commonly known as "bulgy eye." It is prevalent in backyard chickens and causes symptoms such as watery eyes, eye discharge, and facial swelling. Chickens may also experience nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, and frothiness around the eyes.

In turkeys, the disease is usually more severe and can cause infraorbital sinus swelling, reduced feed efficiency, and weight gain. Laying flocks may have increased mortality rates and decreased production. Additional symptoms include sinusitis, tracheitis, airsacculitis, and inflammation in the heart and liver.

Chicken Sneezing Treatment

The treatment for chicken sneezing depends on the underlying cause. If it's due to factors like excessive dust in the coop, thorough cleaning can help. However, if chickens show other symptoms along with sneezing, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment.

Antibiotics, herbal supplements, or prescription drugs may be necessary. Creating a clean living environment is essential for the recovery of sick chickens, including minimizing dust, providing clean water, and providing fresh food daily.

Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial diseases in chickens, helping eliminate bacteria from their bodies and reducing symptoms. The duration of treatment varies depending on the stage of the illness, typically lasting from a few days to a few weeks until the chickens fully recover.

It is crucial to follow the veterinarian's advice when using antibiotics or other medications to avoid exacerbating the problem.

Overall, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is crucial for chicken health, especially during illness. Regular veterinary consultations are recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Preventative measures are crucial to maintaining the health of chickens. Even if your chickens are not showing signs of sneezing, it is still advisable to take precautionary steps to minimize the risk of disease in the future.

Here are some important tips for preventing chicken sneezing:

Maintain a clean chicken coop: Keeping the coop free from dust and regularly removing bird waste reduces the chances of infectious diseases spreading among the chickens.

Ensure proper ventilation: The coop should have good airflow to provide fresh air and oxygen to the chickens, promoting their overall health.

Allow sun exposure: Chickens need sunlight to produce sufficient vitamin D, which strengthens their immune system and protects them from certain diseases. Allowing them to spend time in the sun can be beneficial.

Provide fresh food and water: Chickens should have access to clean and fresh food and water daily. Proper nutrition, including age-appropriate food for chicks and adequate calcium for adult hens, supports their immune systems.

Vaccinate your chickens: Vaccinations can prevent diseases such as Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, and infectious laryngotracheitis in chickens. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the recommended immunizations for your flock.

Isolate sick chickens: If any chickens show symptoms of disease, separate them from the rest of the flock to prevent the spread of contagious respiratory diseases. Similarly, newly introduced chickens should be quarantined to ensure their health before joining the flock.

Regular veterinary check-ups: While chickens don't require annual check-ups like dogs and cats, it's beneficial to have a veterinarian experienced in treating chickens. This way, you can seek professional help if any unusual symptoms arise.

In conclusion

Prevention is key to maintaining the health of chickens. By implementing these preventative measures, you can ensure your chickens remain healthy and reduce the risk of contagious diseases.

A clean and secure coop not only promotes their well-being but also results in higher-quality eggs.