2 of my young chickens have their mouths open a lot today

[ericnash]

They look like they are breathing hard. I have been treating them for worms, because it has been a concern, but we also had a thunderstorm. I am thinking Gapeworm. Anyone know how long they need treatment?

 

[stargirl]

gapeworm is more resilient, and needs a longer dosage. Which wormer are you using?

Chickens often pant in hot weather rather like a dog, to cool themselves down. They also hold their wings away from their body to get some air into their wing-pits

Could that be it?

 

[ericnash]

I am using safe-guard fenbendazole. Do I give it to them everday? And if I do how long do they need it for?

 

[stargirl]

Are you sure it's gapeworm, and not the heat? Here is a little video of a hen with gapeworm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8iL3U2lj50
You can see she is opening her mouth on every breath.

These hens are doing normal hot weather panting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if74icIADa0
Holding their mouths open more, for longer.

Which looks more like your chickens?

I've never used that wormer but this thread might be useful.