Chicks are about 4-5 weeks old, one is yawning and stretching her neck

[Katcynth]

I'm new to chickens, I've taken them out to the yard in a contained area three times since I've gotten them. Other than that they are inside in a large dog crate. I'm doing the deep litter method and add new pine shavings every couple days. They all seem to be eating but tonight I noticed for the first time one yawning and stretching her neck so of course I look it up and people are talking about gapeworm. Can I treat if I think they have it or will that hurt them if they don't? Am I an over-reactive parent?

Thanks!

 

[dawg53]

Gapeworm are rare in chickens. It's normal for chickens to yawn to help swallow feed or to adjust their crop. If she had gapeworm, she wouldnt be eating and die quickly from suffocation.

 

[Katcynth]

Thanks! I will watch her and see how she's doing. I didn't notice her not eating but I will keep an eye out! I freaked out when I read they can get them from worms because they ate some while outside. Nervous new parent

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Dawg53 knows his stuff, please listen to him. They do yawn and adjust the crop. That sounds normal to me.

 

[kynewbchickie]

Glad I read this, as I noticed two were yawning quite a bit tonight after outdoor play time. Nothing else out of the ordinary, just had never seen a chicken or a chick yawn.