Chick with breathing problems

[WillowMoonWyandottes]

I hatched chicks from NPIP certified breeders, they are a week old now and one seems to have breathing problems. The skin below his eye expands as he breaths and seems to be breathing heavy. None of the others have this issue, is it some type of deformity or a respiratory problem? I circled the area that moves when he breaths in the picture.

I reposted because I didn’t get any replies. His breathing seems to be getting worse, trying to decide whether to cull or wait.

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

You should at least separate him, sorry I can't offer more help! I hope he gets better!

@Nabiki @sourland

 

[Nabiki]

It's up to you, but unless a vet is an option, I would probably cull. I'm not a vet and not an expert (especially with chickens), but that doesn't look like an injury, so I'm guessing birth defect.

 

[WillowMoonWyandottes]

It's up to you, but unless a vet is an option, I would probably cull. I'm not a vet and not an expert (especially with chickens), but that doesn't look like an injury, so I'm guessing birth defect.

Okay thanks, I wish I knew what kind of birth defect it is and what exactly is going on, I have seen this same problem with older adult chickens but it didn’t cause them much of a problem other than looking weird.

 

[Nabiki]

Okay thanks, I wish I knew what kind of birth defect it is and what exactly is going on, I have seen this same problem with older adult chickens but it didn’t cause them much of a problem other than looking weird.

If weren't having difficulty breathing, I would say let it be, but it sounds like it's suffering.