Gapeworm

[NacientNeedle]

I have 7 week old pullets - but the feed store that sold them to me said he could not guarantee that they were all hens. In watching them grow and develop I can not see any sign - yet - that one might be a roo, but I did notice yesterday that one of them opened its beak in a gaping motion without sound and I though - uh oh! is this one going to be a roo?

I just read that this gaping is a sign of Gapeworm - can a young 7 week old chick have Gapeworm? I am nervous first-time hen keeper and I'm watching them like a hawk...not the best metaphor, but you know what I mean...

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Could it be panting from heat? Chickens start panting at about 80-85F.

If they're the same breed, sex will be fairly obvious by 10 weeks depending on breed. Some breeds much earlier.
Boys=longer thicker legs, larger combs/wattles, pointier hackle/wing feathers, curved tail feathers.
If different breeds, it can take longer.

 

[Judy]

It is extremely unlikely it has gapeworm, even if they are outdoors. Gapeworm is unusual and requires a carrier. Actually, it's more likely that it was making a first effort to .crow!

 

[NacientNeedle]

That's what I thought!! I am afraid I have a roo making his first crowing attempts. - I am relieved that it is most likely NOT gapeworm.

 

[NacientNeedle]

I don't think he was panting from the heat as it is still early Spring here and not very hot - but I guess it is possible. I assume hens do not crow at all, correct? So it could be a sign that Mrs. Patmore may turn into...Carson.... ...At this stage though, I do not see any sign that either of my two Dixie Rainbows are roos. I guess time will tell. I know my three tetra tints are all girlies - but the sales clerk at the feed store said he could not guarantee the Dixie Rainbows were hens - so I wait....

My husband said the neighbors cat was in the run with the girls - just sitting...plotting...

He chased it away - but I'm afraid he will come back. We have to get some wire up on the top of the run a.s.a.p.!!!

 

[Suckafish272]

I've seen this in some of my chicks and I thought they might be yawning.

 

[Disturbed742]

I don't think he was panting from the heat as it is still early Spring here and not very hot - but I guess it is possible. I assume hens do not crow at all, correct? So it could be a sign that Mrs. Patmore may turn into...Carson.... ...At this stage though, I do not see any sign that either of my two Dixie Rainbows are roos. I guess time will tell. I know my three tetra tints are all girlies - but the sales clerk at the feed store said he could not guarantee the Dixie Rainbows were hens - so I wait....

My husband said the neighbors cat was in the run with the girls - just sitting...plotting...

He chased it away - but I'm afraid he will come back. We have to get some wire up on the top of the run a.s.a.p.!!!

Yes cats are known to stock there pray so yes put the wire up this will keep him out double check for any holes in the fencing as the cat will keep looking for a way in.
That's correct hens don't crow but may pat do to heat.

 

[dawg53]

I've seen this in some of my chicks and I thought they might be yawning.

x2. Correct,birds yawn. They also yawn to adjust their crop. Most people automatically assume it's gapeworms when it's not.