Please be assured no one on byc will "beat you up", blame or judge you for an unforeseeable accident. Most of us have lost poultry due to tragic accidents too. Chicks/chickens are so tough in some ways, & so fragile in others. In addition to possibilities mentioned above, the wheezing and gasping could have also been due to internal injuries of its larynx, esophagus or trachea. Your little chick no doubt felt your loving care and concern. And even though its dying in your hands was very traumatic for you, your tender hands were the safest, most comforting place it could be.
