Is it gapeworm? Is gapeworm common?

[RM44]

My chickens are 15 weeks old today, and I noticed that one of them was breathing heavily and holding her beak open two days ago while she was out in the run. Today, about 5 of them are holding their beaks open, breathing heavy and I can see their necks flaring in and out with their breaths (like panting). Could this be gapeworm, or are they just hot? I have a closed flock; purchased them all at the same time as day olds, and have no other chickens on the premises or around me. I do feed and attract wild birds in the front yard, and my chickens are in the back yard. I don't like to use medication unless it's necessary. I am not sure how to properly identify the gapeworm. If my chickens are just hot, they are in for some trouble because it's only March here in GA, and it's only 75 degrees. We hit the 100s sometimes in the summer. Could it be that they are just not used to the heat? What should I do to determine whether or not I have the gapeworm?

 

[easttxchick]

You can actually open their beaks and look down their throats to see if there is a gapeworm attached.
My birds have been panting during the day as well-the temperature rose so quickly that they didn't really have time to adjust. It could be the warmer temps as well.
Good luck to you!

 

[RM44]

Thanks east tx! I think you are right. I did some research and looked down their throats. I didn't see any evidence of the gapeworms. Also, they quit panting, etc., in the evening when it started cooling off. I'm worried that they are going to be really uncomfortable if they have this sort of reaction to almost 80 degrees. It's only April 1st, and it will be much, much hotter in August!