2 week old chick stretching neck and opening mouth wide

[gambit2178]

Relax, your chick is just fine They need to stretch and 'gape' their mouths to help rearrange their crops. Does she kind of squiggle her neck at the same time? I'm sure this is what you are seeing and your babies will be just fine

I just want to thank you for the post above. I also had a similar experience with my chicks, just like Neen269, I did an extensive research and all I came across was gapeworms, I was so worried, thank God none of the chicks died but after reading your explanation, it does make sense. Thank you!

 

[BeulahBreezes]

I've seen my young un's do this a few times when I took them outside for a short time, on nice days when they were about 4 -5 weeks old. Now, 3 weeks later, no one is exhibiting this behaviour.....yay! ~Beulah

 

[leadwolf1]

You are very welcome

I just want to thank you for the post above. I also had a similar experience with my chicks, just like Neen269, I did an extensive research and all I came across was gapeworms, I was so worried, thank God none of the chicks died but after reading your explanation, it does make sense. Thank you!

 

[canesisters]

I have a chick doing this too - stretching it's neck and gaping - making a weird "coo-koo" sound like she's wheezing and has a hard lump in front of her breastbone (croup?).

She's with 7 others that I got from a swap this past weekend - all between 2 & 3 weeks old. She seemed FINE yesterday morning - this started sometime yesterday. Her eyes are bright and clear (when they're open). No discharge from nostrils or beak. If I separate her from the others she will RUN to get back to them. Normal poo last night. I've tried to give her a few drops of water last night and again this morning. Is there ANYTHING I could or should be doing????
They're on wood shaving bedding, eating medicated chick starter, drinking water with save-a-chick. Didn't have any grit before last night - so she hasn't had any that I'm aware of since this started before I got home with the bag.

ANY IDEAS? I started a thread under emergencies but haven't gotten any replies yet.