13 day chicks with tumors? or funny growth quirk?

[becstalls]

Hi all. Thanks for all the help last weekend with my little Ameraucana--she's now doing fine!

I noticed today that 3 of my chicks have a lump about the size of a kidney bean, maybe a little larger, on their chests. It seems to be right under the clavicles, about where the wing folds. The lump is firm, but not hard. The chicks don't seem to notice them, although the one chick that has been the slowest developmentally (not as feathered as the others) has the largest lump. I had all chicks vaccinated for Marek's when I ordered them, although I know some still get it. Is this something I should be concerned about? I don't know if it's just a funny growth quirk or what. I read somewhere about impacted crop, but I don't know what that looks like. Any thoughts? thanks!

 

[babsbag]

Are you sure that it is not just their crop that you feel? When I first got my chickens I had no idea where to look or feel for a crop. Now I do and I bet that is what you see/feel.

 

[becstalls]

I'm thinking that might be it from what I'm reading. Should it seem that big on little chicks? It's only those three--why not the other ones? Sorry if I'm asking silly questions--I'm a nervous new mama

 

[babsbag]

Those little guys can really gorge themselves. I heard that they should have food in front of them at all times. Just check them first thing in the AM if they sleep at night and it should be much smaller.

 

[bturbo87]

im going with crop as well, when i first bought my little G sebright home, he filed his so full he couldnt even stand up or walk straight, and yes i was freaking out.

 

[silkieluver_07]

Yep, sounds like your little chicks had a good meal

My chicks are little piggies too and they fill their crops to the bulging point!!

 

[speckledhen]

See this big marble in this baby's chest? That's its full crop. They gorge all day long running with their broody mama.