Gapeworm??? Help

[daisy_dukers]

Well I gave my girls a chunk of sod about a week ago to keep them busy in the brooder and they ended up eating a few earthworms that wriggled out of it..Since they will be free ranging I can't stop them from eating these sorts of things so I figured I would just give it a shot.

While they were in thier chicken tractor for the day yesterday a couple of them would open thier mouths, strech thier necks a bit and yawn..then go back to being normal chickens etc. It was in the 80's F. in the sun yesterday also.

The same ones were eating, and drinking and pooping normally.

They are 4 weeks old, switched over from med chick starter to pullet developer a few days ago gradually by mixing the remainder of my medicated crumbles with the developer.

Should I be worried?

What medicine should I pickup just in case it gets worse and wasn't a case of an over-protective pappa, I am gonna see if they are doing it still when I get home tonite and see if I can look down one of thier throats.



I have done a search here, but I got overwhelmed with the different responces to the same question..

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[JohnL11935]

Quote:
Normal chickens.

For that matter, I do that all the time while at my office.

 

[daisy_dukers]

I found a post w/ a video of what they are doing or it seems like they are doing...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=207023

And again, they are eating, pooping, drinking normally...

 

[suebee]

It really sounds like they ate too much grass and bugs. I'd see if they do it first thing in the morning when their crop is empty.
If they are, treat with fenbendazole (canine Safe Guard)

 

[daisy_dukers]

So should I take thier food away before bedtime when they are locked in thier brooder and see what they do in the morning?

 

[suebee]

yes, you could do that. Normally they get up right at daybreak, so try to get out there early or else they're gonna be pretty hungry.

 

[daisy_dukers]

All night, last nite they were in there chicken tractor and no symptoms.....It was just a case of them making piggies of themselves I think..

On the other hand it was canada day and I did have a few beers that day .... regardless all is good.