Hello folks,
I am mostly making this post to document this situation in case anyone else has had a similar experience or searches for this problem in the future.
I have a Large Fowl Cochin rooster, Trousers, approximately 10 months old as of writing this. I pay close attention to the behaviors and health of my birds and regularly handle them and check for problems. Yesterday afternoon, I noticed that Trousers was a lot less enthusiastic about free-ranging than normal, and seemed lethargic. He's normally a food hound but was disinterested in food. Checking him over, his crop felt normal, a mix of liquid water and feed. I noticed that when he would bend over to peck or eat, he would flinch just a little, then stand back up as if the position was causing him discomfort. I massaged his crop a bit until the water drained, and then he seemed to perk up a bit, so I thought maybe he had a simple blockage and I removed it. He ate some before roosting.
This morning I checked on him first thing, and took note that his crop had emptied normally and that his droppings were very typical/normal. But he was still lethargic, and did not eat at all in the morning feeding, which is is very unusual for him. I brought him indoors and felt his crop very carefully, and was a bit surprised to find a slippery, fleshy ball inside, as big as a 'shooter' marble. I have dealt with hard masses in the crop and impaction before, and this does not at all feel similar. This is a small, fleshy feeling, slippery, very much like a tumor.
I cooked him an egg and he tried to eat it, but again leaning over seemed to cause him discomfort, and he would straighten. I fed the egg to him up high and he was able to eat it with great enthusiasm. Aware that he has something wrong, I carefully monitored to make sure the egg didn't become impacted, and he was able to pass it normally through his crop.
He continues to poop, and they are normal droppings.
He hasn't had anything to drink for me yet today, and I will be encouraging wet foods and liquids.
He is obviously feeling unwell, as he tried to crow twice and it seemed as if it was either uncomfortable or painful.
I would consider crop surgery, but this does not seem like an impaction, and if it is indeed a tumor in there I am not equipped to safely remove it.
As he is a valued pet and a very good rooster, we will be taking him to the vet. I have a good vet that is very knowledgeable in birds and sees chickens, it's just a bit of a drive to get to her. They are not open today so I'll be calling first thing in the morning.
I will keep you updated!
EDIT: This rooster has since passed away, much to our heartbreak. He had Marek's disease. See more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sible-tumor-thymus-response/160#post_10747769
I am mostly making this post to document this situation in case anyone else has had a similar experience or searches for this problem in the future.
I have a Large Fowl Cochin rooster, Trousers, approximately 10 months old as of writing this. I pay close attention to the behaviors and health of my birds and regularly handle them and check for problems. Yesterday afternoon, I noticed that Trousers was a lot less enthusiastic about free-ranging than normal, and seemed lethargic. He's normally a food hound but was disinterested in food. Checking him over, his crop felt normal, a mix of liquid water and feed. I noticed that when he would bend over to peck or eat, he would flinch just a little, then stand back up as if the position was causing him discomfort. I massaged his crop a bit until the water drained, and then he seemed to perk up a bit, so I thought maybe he had a simple blockage and I removed it. He ate some before roosting.
This morning I checked on him first thing, and took note that his crop had emptied normally and that his droppings were very typical/normal. But he was still lethargic, and did not eat at all in the morning feeding, which is is very unusual for him. I brought him indoors and felt his crop very carefully, and was a bit surprised to find a slippery, fleshy ball inside, as big as a 'shooter' marble. I have dealt with hard masses in the crop and impaction before, and this does not at all feel similar. This is a small, fleshy feeling, slippery, very much like a tumor.
I cooked him an egg and he tried to eat it, but again leaning over seemed to cause him discomfort, and he would straighten. I fed the egg to him up high and he was able to eat it with great enthusiasm. Aware that he has something wrong, I carefully monitored to make sure the egg didn't become impacted, and he was able to pass it normally through his crop.
He continues to poop, and they are normal droppings.
He hasn't had anything to drink for me yet today, and I will be encouraging wet foods and liquids.
He is obviously feeling unwell, as he tried to crow twice and it seemed as if it was either uncomfortable or painful.
I would consider crop surgery, but this does not seem like an impaction, and if it is indeed a tumor in there I am not equipped to safely remove it.
As he is a valued pet and a very good rooster, we will be taking him to the vet. I have a good vet that is very knowledgeable in birds and sees chickens, it's just a bit of a drive to get to her. They are not open today so I'll be calling first thing in the morning.
I will keep you updated!
EDIT: This rooster has since passed away, much to our heartbreak. He had Marek's disease. See more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sible-tumor-thymus-response/160#post_10747769
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Hopefully it is benign and easy to remove. tumors suck.
