Chick stretching neck forward with mouth open.. crop issue or gape worm

[mckenziespallone]

Hi everyone. I just moved my 4 week old chicks outside (weather permitting) and yesterday, was day 2. I noticed one of my Brahma’s is doing a weird thing with their neck. They started stretching it out with their mouth wide open. None of my other chicks are doing it. I do have a separate flock of adult chickens. I have seen one (or maybe 2) of them do it a few times recently but I didn’t really think much of it until I saw the baby do it. Can someone please ease my mind and help me determine whether or not I have a parasite issue on my hands. I will try and get a video of it to post. Thanks!

 

[sourland]

Since they were only moved outside two days ago the possibility of exposure to gapeworm is basically non existent. I would guess it is a swallowing/crop adjustment issue.

 

[Tricks farm]

I have seen that happen from a sour crop
Try tipping her upside down and push her crop gently
Be ready for an awful smell
Does she. Stink ???

 

[mckenziespallone]

I have seen that happen from a sour crop
Try tipping her upside down and push her crop gently
Be ready for an awful smell
Does she. Stink ???

No, not that I can tell. The problem is catching her, I might have to wait until she’s in the coop and give her a thorough looking over. All the babies are really friendly and will come up to me but are hard to pick up sometimes. I’ve been trying to handle them as much as they will allow. I was able to get it on video but of course it won’t let me upload it.

 

[mckenziespallone]

Since they were only moved outside two days ago the possibility of exposure to gapeworm is basically non existent. I would guess it is a swallowing/crop adjustment issue.

I was hoping that was the case but everything I read said it affects younger chicks much quicker so that’s what I was so worried about.

 

[Tricks farm]

Oh
It could be a malnourishment
What do they eat ?
That can happen on even good diets

 

[Tricks farm]

Malnourishment can cause nerve issues

 

[mckenziespallone]

Malnourishment can cause nerve issues

I always have their feed out and sprinkle Theo their other stuff through their enclosed area so they can learn to forage. Do you know how I can post the video? I also put grit out for them because they’re in a complete grassed area.

 

[nuthatched]

They're just adjusting their crops, babies tend to do it more since they tend to over eat. Nothing to worry about. :] you can post a video to YouTube or a similar site and link back.

 

[nuthatched]

I have seen that happen from a sour crop
Try tipping her upside down and push her crop gently
Be ready for an awful smell
Does she. Stink ???

Please don't try to regurgitate a chicken for no good reason like that, it's a good way to kill them.