Day old Coturnix quail scratching ear and gaping mouth

[Nicspeckers]

Sorry if this has been discussed but I could not fond anything exactly like this.
One day old and born scratching left ear and regularly gaping its beak open.
I can not look into the ears as it is so so tiny like half the size of a nail polish bottle.
What could it been born with that would do this? It was doing this from the time it was up on its feet which was only a few hours after hatching.

Ant ideas would be greatful

 

[azygous]

I'm not checked out on quail, but I do know that when a bird is experiencing pain, they scratch it or peck it. The gaping beak is a sign of distress.

Since you can't get a look in the ear, try prying open the beak (with a helper) and look in the throat with a strong light. Look for anything not normal.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she still in the incubator or in the brooder?
Is she dry, was she assisted hatch, any membrane residue on her head?

A photo of the chick may be helpful.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Does it move it's head in a scooping upward motion while it's gaping it's beak? Almost like it's yawning? Birds do this to adjust their crops, and when new babies hatch they do it while the yolk is digesting or absorbing into their systems.
It's possible this particular chick has an ear blockage that is triggering the response to gape it's mouth open, the same as you or I would try to do when our ears are experiencing pressure changes. See if you can really get in close. Try a magnifying glass if you've got one, I know these guys can be so little! Let us know if you can see anything.