9 week old chick keeps its beak open for long periods of time

[Brummie Pekin]

I have a 9 week old chick who for long periods of time keeps its beak open and just keeps it like that and then closing it while eat and drinks. Its in a group of three other chicks and one has kept its beak open for a bit but only once. The chick in question eats and drinks fine and acts healthy apart from this small problem. Im not sure what this is and any help would be appreciated.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

You shouldn't be worried! In most cases, this is just them being hot (they are "panting" like a dog would) or stressed. In rare cases, this could be a case of gape worm. If you are really worried, a visit to the vet couldn't hurt!

 

[Brummie Pekin]

You shouldn't be worried! In most cases, this is just them being hot (they are "panting" like a dog would) or stressed. In rare cases, this could be a case of gape worm. If you are really worried, a visit to the vet couldn't hurt!

Im quite scared it might be gape worm... what are the signs of gape worm?

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Some of the symptoms are:

Gaping, gurgling, respiratory distress, head shaking, loss of appetite, and eventually, coughing and choking may occur.

Here is a website that explains gape worm. My prayers for your chicken!

https://poultrykeeper.com/respiratory-problems/gapeworm/

 

[aart]

Is it panting from the heat?
Is it a new behavior....or going on since hatch?
Is it's crop emptying properly over night?
Poops look OK?

It might have a jaw malformation, could get better or worse.
Try not to panic, more observation is needed.

Any of these symptoms occuring:

Gaping, gurgling, respiratory distress, head shaking, loss of appetite, and eventually, coughing and choking may occur.