2 week old chick shaking head, yawning

[Dixiechick55]

Hello! I'm new to raising chickens. We have an almost 3 week old chick who seems very strong and healthy, but just started shaking her head and yawning constantly. She doesnt seem to be in pain. I gave her a bit of coconut oil, as suggested on anothe thread (no easy feat!). They are on a nin medicated feed. Could this be an ear infection? She eats and drinks normally, just shakes her head a lot and also preens/cleans her wings. Makes yawning (gaping?) Motions. I hope there's something I can do for her? Any recommendations appreciated!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Have you looked inside her beak to make sure there's no obstruction?

Check that her crop is emptying/going down throughout the day - how are you brooding your chicks. Photos?

 

[Dixiechick55]

Hi, I have and her beak is fine. All the chicks are shaking their heads and scratching a bit now. I'm really wondering about mites, although they've been inside in a clean room and we clean out the brooder completely every few days. We have them in a 4 foot wide 100 gallon steel bin. Were using low dust pine shavings . Non medicated chick starter and have just started the grit.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How hot is it in the brooder?
Ideally you want just one warm spot and let the rest be cool.

Check them for lice/mites, but chicks do itch at times, they are shedding their fluff and starting to feather in = itchy.

Do you have your coop/run ready for them? They grow quickly.

 

[Dixiechick55]

We were told to wait til 6 weeks to bring them outside? Yes our coop is arriving in 2 weeks. They do seem to grow SO fast. The brooder is a good temp I think, if anything I worry they are cold as they huddle together. Keeping fingers crossed that it's just from feather growth!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We were told to wait til 6 weeks to bring them outside? Yes our coop is arriving in 2 weeks. They do seem to grow SO fast. The brooder is a good temp I think, if anything I worry they are cold as they huddle together. Keeping fingers crossed that it's just from feather growth!!

Where are you located in the world?
A lot depends on weather I suppose. 6 weeks is a long time to keep chicks inside the house, imho.