One week old chick seems in distress

[SaMable]

Hi,
I have a surrogate broody mothering one week old chicks. She led them out of the coop for the first time today where they dust bathed and foraged around for a couple hours. They are back in the coop now and one of them acts like she has something caught in her esophagus. She repeatedly stretches her head and neck in an upward direction like she’s taking a big gulp of water. She is also shaking her head and body at times. She will peck around at the food in between or act like she’s falling asleep. I’m worried about her and wondering if I could do anything to assist to dislodge whatever she’s feeling in there. Or do I need to resist the urge micromanage these chicks? Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

 

[Cayuga momma]

Can you feel her neck and crop to see if you can feel anything stuck. You could also try to open her mouth and look down her throat.

 

[True Patriot]

Where were they foraging? I agree that something may have gotten lodged on it's way down. If they're out of the brooder make sure that chick grit is available. They will need it for anything other than starter. Is she drinking? Water may help to wash down whatever it is. Don't force it, aspirating will complicate the issue. Keep an eye on her for now. Other than that, unless it seems like an emergency let her system do it's job.

 

[SaMable]

Thanks for the replies. They were foraging in the run area that is wood chips on top of dirt and some grass. Mom was scratching in the dirt and they were finding insects and some worms while I was watching. She had them out for a while and I was hoping she knows what she’s doing. They seem awfully small to be out in the big, bad world. I have chick grit in their area of the coop, and when I saw the chick struggling I sprinkled it around the floor where they were pecking. She did start drinking water. I tried to look down her throat but didn’t she anything obviously lodged. And I didn’t feel anything either. I just came back inside and she isn’t doing the stretching movements so much anymore. She’s eating and drinking and pooping. I’m going to check back in a bit. Still a little worried. Thanks for the advice!