5 day old chick behavior

[HCBeck]

I just noticed one of my Australorp chicks twitching her head and gaping. No noise came from her mouth. She is eating, drinking and otherwise acting normal except every so often she will do this. I have 8 chicks total and they have had earthworms twice in the past 3 days. Am I overreacting or could this be gapeworm? Any other symptoms I should look for or am I just an overprotective, worried new chick owner?

 

[BullChick]

If they are only little, they should not have worms yet. You did not say how old they are.
It’s always possible that it’s just hiccups or needs a drink.

 

[HCBeck]

If they are only little, they should not have worms yet. You did not say how old they are.
It’s always possible that it’s just hiccups or needs a drink.

My title states they are 5 days old. Thanks for the reply. Hoping she's just adjusting her crop or has a small pine shaving stuck in there!

 

[BullChick]

Hold off on anything but feed a few more days or weeks. Not that it’s a rule, but it’s safer. Don’t forget chick sized grit (oyster shell is calcium, not grit) when giving anything but feed.

 

[HCBeck]

Yes, forgot to mention they are getting chick grit mixed in with their feed. So no scrambled eggs either? I have only been giving a tiny handful of it every morning to train them which is working wonderfully. Really appreciate your help!

 

[BullChick]

As long as you were giving them grit, it’s fine.
Grit is free choice, and not an additive to the food. Just put it in a dish, and they will take what they need.

 

[BullChick]

Btw, nothing you are asking is rare. We all have asked the same questions.

 

[HCBeck]

As long as you were giving them grit, it’s fine.
Grit is free choice, and not an additive to the food. Just put it in a dish, and they will take what they need.

Thanks so much for all your support! I didn't notice any gaping today, just some head twitching. There do seem to be a couple chicks with diarrhea but I'll just keep an eye on them. I discontinued Nutri-drench yesterday and now just offer the acv water with garlic they have been given from the time I got them.