large, hard lump on right breast

[mixedflock]

Hi,

I have a hen who seems lethargic who has a golfball size lump on the right breast. Anyone know what this could be? She is almost 2 years old. I also have some 2 month old meat birds that have the same lump, although they seem to be acting just fine. The meat birds had "air bubbles" at the same spot when i got them as chicks- something i was told was fine and would just go away. I have never seen air bubbles in chicks before and i have raised over 150 chicks so i am very wary of this.

Anyone have an idea of what it could be?

thanks,

Mixed

 

[Dom'sHEns]

sounds like a impacted crop, try offering her some grit and force a few drops of mineral oil down her throat...you can also try to massage her crop to help things get moving...good luck and let us know how things turn out. There are more educated chicken people here that can prob. help you further. -Dom

 

[SpottedCrow]

That lump is her crop, where she stores food until it goes to her stomach. Unless, it's always large and hard, then you should have nothing to worry about. If you think it might be impacted, then take away the food for a whole day and feel the crop again. You can also feel the crop in the morning before she starts eating so that you can tell the difference.

 

[silkiechicken]

Hmm, if she's lethargic and it's hard, its probably an impacted crop as previously mentioned. Meat birds always eat so they always will end up having big crops.