[alison1]

Hi, i have 6, 4 week old baby chicks, and today i noticed that one of them while peching on the edge of a plant pot was stretching her neck and opening her mouth, not really gulping in air but as im new to hen keeping ive not seen this before and was slightly concerned she may have a problem or maybe not? If anyone can explain what the likely causes might be i would be very greatful. I have read about a parasite that blocks the air way but i thought she maybe too young, And at what age can i start worming?

[Vember]

Hi Alison1

There is a thing called Gape worm, one of the symptoms is gulping in air as you describe

I wouldn't like to say if it's safe to worm yet or not :?

Is everything else ok with them all? Poops normal? Eating & drinking?


Sarah

[Vember]

Hi again Alison1

Found this info on the pekin website....
http://www.pekinbantams.com/worms.asp#gapeworms

Having read it I think IF they were mine I would worm them - a very small dose

Sarah

[stickywicket]

When I first got mine they did that occasionally too but don't seem to do it now and there was nothing wrong with them as far as I can tell. Maybe they grow out of it  

[poultrygeist]

I would agree with Vember, but don't know the age limit on Flubenvet or any other wormer.

Are they doing it often or just once or twice a day ?

Rob

[chickenlady]

All my girls do it every now and again! its usually after they have just eaten loads of corn or wet bread treats as if they are trying to squeeze more into their crop! greedy toads  

[Foxy]

Sounds like just a chick thing.

Are they kept outdoors  then?

[agapanthus]

Don't worry...it is a chick thing!!....all mine have done it....it sometimes seemed to me that they were practising.....what for I don't know, but they all been fine!!!!