4.5-week olds stretching mouths open wide

[LauraP]

Hi everyone. This may be a silly question, but we're brand-spanking new to chickens.

My husband and I have both noticed recently that our 4.5 week old chicks are going around opening their mouths really wide frequently. Are they begging for treats? Thirsty? (They have plenty of water, though) Does anyone know why they do this?

Thanks!

 

[Al's Chicks]

My chicks do this when they are hot.

 

[LauraP]

Wow, thanks for answering so quickly!

I thought of that but the other day when we were noticing it we were outside and it was a very nice day with a gentle breeze. Maybe they were hot though. Any other possibilities?

 

[Mahlzeit]

I know sometimes when chickens get gape worm in their throat it makes breathing difficult and they do that gasping for air. I am not sure if there is another reason for them to do that.

 

[LauraP]

I hope it's not that!

They don't seem to be sick in any other way and they're not doing the mouth-opening thing extremely frequently.

When we take them outside and spend time with them we notice it some. I have also noticed it some when spending time with them in the bathroom cleaning, feeding, treating, etc. I have, however, been feeding them earthworms, and didn't know until today that you're not supposed to. We won't do it anymore, and I'll watch them more closely to see if they have any signs of difficulty breathing.

I just went and cleaned out their food and water (again!) a few minutes ago and was in there about 10 minutes and I didn't see them do it at all. They seemed fine.
Does anyone know any other possible reasons?

 

[The Wolf Queen]

They could be panting from the heat.

 

[taras.farm]

heat...my guess

 

[Big dreams]

Maybe a little chicken yawn.

 

[PaddyMahon12]

my chickens do that too..! I think its because of heat.!

 

[Zuesdude]

I too would say it's the heat that is making them hold open their mouths. I notice My lady's were doing that so I looked that my coop temperature and found it to be 100. I put a fan over the coop door and within minuts they stopped.