Attempting to crow, yawning, stretching, or something else?

[Savannah Rose]

my lavender Orpingtons so far look like pullets. They are 11 weeks and have small pale crest and no wattles. I went out to refill their water, I look up, and one of them has their neck stretched and beak open... but absolutely no noise came out!! I was terrified. I cannot have a roo (I love roosters but they are absolutely 100% illegal here). She did it I think 2 or 3 times in a row. I've seen similar post that said something about it being common and some people mention gapeworm. I'm very worried :S... Also she makes a lot less chirping notices than my other chick. She usually only chirps when we pick her up. Any thought or similar situations?

 

[pdirt]

We've had some chickens act like that on occasion. If it is gape worms, then they will keep on doing the neck stretchy thing and opening their beak wide. When the infestation gets bad enough, you might see the worms in their throat when they open wide. I've not had gape worms, but this is what I've read. Try searching on BYC for "gape worm" and see what you come up with.

I think 11 weeks is way too soon to be attempting to crow if it is a rooster, but I could be wrong. The roos we've had definitely made a sound when they first tried to crow. It's kind of spastic at first, but it wasn't a silent endeavor.

 

[Savannah Rose]

Thank you I appreciate it! I just got them 2 days ago and I'm so attached and constantly worrying about something happening to them or them being a roo... worrying just takes the fun out of having them while you have them though I'm going to continue my research as a new chicken owner thanks again

 

[diana507]

Mine will do it sometimes after they eat grass or a lil piece of sawdust like they are trying to get it down. And sometimes they do it when they yawn.

 

[Savannah Rose]

They do have a habit of eating large pieces of grass and sometimes feathers... haha thanks for the reply