Chicks breathing - I hope just a silly question....

[leight54]

Here's my silly question: Should you be able to see your chicks breathing when they roost?

My 2 chicks are almost 3 weeks old. When they "roost" on the the piece of firewood I have in their brooder, and scrunch down, I can see their little bodies moving up and down with their breath. Is this normal???

Otherwise, they seem perfectly happy and normal. Very active, eating/drinking/pooping, working on flying, etc. Please tell me I'm just looking for things to worry about.

 

[steve&kris]

I always could with mine. Mine are 6-7 weeks and I can still see them moving. Not an open mouthed gasping, just breathing. I think it's normal, but a few weeks ago I was wondering the same thing.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I would say as long as you don't hear any strange sounds while they're breathing, its perfectly normal. I love to watch my peepers sleep, they look so peaceful. At 3 weeks old they still sleep deeply, and yes- I can see them breathing

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yes, it's normal - as long as their mouth isn't open and they are panting, then they would be too hot.

 

[leight54]

Thanks everyone! You've put my mind at ease.

I love BYC, I feel like I'm not alone in my chickie adventure!

 

[wayneh]

Quote:
I would worry if I couldn't see breathing.