11-wk hen with crop issue?

[hagoesch]

Meet Murphy. She is one of our 11-week chicks (originally from MyPetChicken at 2 days old). Unknown breed but guess is Black Cuckoo Maran.

I noticed two mornings ago that her crop seemed to be sticking out more than the others'. She also did a gagging type motion several times. Tried massaging her crop but that didn't really do anything. She was eating, drinking, alert, walking around fine. The next morning couldn't tell whether or not her crop was smaller because she's a fair bit "thinner" than the rest of the birds and her breastbone is more pronounced. Again, she was eating, drinking, alert. Never saw her in the act of pooping but haven't noticed any strange droppings in the coop. Now today, she still seems fine but has that pronounced "bump" even first thing in the morning. Massaged her crop again but it didn't do much. In doing so it almost feels more like the "bump" is her breastbone because it is hard and thin. Then again, I am a first-time chick mum and have no idea what the crop or anything else should feel like other than what my studies have taught me.

There is no smell coming from her beak, but many of the other symptoms seem to suggest sour crop. As a preventative I added the recommended amount of Nutri-Drench to their waterer. Thanks for your help! --Heather

 

[OneToManyChickens]

It could be stuck crop but it seems like you’ve taken steps. You could keep trying to massage the crop and checking for signs of this. She could also be really hungry, but I would be careful. What are you feeding them?

 

[hagoesch]

Thank you. It's been over a month and she's much better. I think it was probably just a wayward piece of straw or grass. They're out on pasture now, foraging for bugs and greens in addition to their feeder with chick crumble. Doing well! Cheers,