Chick seems to be breathing heavy...

[DFCottage]

Hi all,
I've got a beautiful little cochin chick, 4 weeks old, who has been slow to feather out, and a smaller than the others. Everyone else is 2-3x as big. She's eating and drinking just fine, acting totally normal, but sometimes I catch her opening her beak in time with her breathing rate. Temp is at 80 degrees, no other chicks acting funny.
Ideas? Thanks!!!!!

 

[airmom1c05]

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/poultry/factsheets/31.html

Towards the bottom under signs of healthy chickens you will see that healthy adult birds breath through their beaks a 100 degrees F and healthy chicks do this at 85 degrees F. Seeing as how your chick is so small, she may just be breathing that way at a bit lower temperature since she seems healthy otherwise. I hope so! Best wishes!

 

[Ron]

Just don't let him near a 'phone!!!!!

 

[DFCottage]

Sadly, I came home today and the poor little thing had died

The temp was fine, she just might have been too stressed or sick beyond what I knew was going on inside to live. Shame too.. she was feathering out to be what looked like a splash cochin!

Well, glad to have 27 others to love on.

 

[Texas Fluffy Feet]

I am sorry your little chick did not make it.