A "full" crop photo

[Vickischics]

Sometimes, people ask about the crop and how do you know if its empty or full.
Well, here is are pictures of a full crop after having free access to Purina layer pellets and free ranging. They have two hours left before she will enter the coop to roost for the night. In the morning, her crop will feel empty/flat.
As a health maintenance routine, I check their crops as they exit the coop every morning as empty aka: flat.
I only have 8 chickens so this is an easy routine. But, I will suggest to make a plan to check your chickens routinely.

 

[drinkoj]

Sometimes, people ask about the crop and how do you know if its empty or full.
Well, here is are pictures of a full crop after having free access to Purina layer pellets and free ranging. They have two hours left before she will enter the coop to roost for the night. In the morning, her crop will feel empty/flat.
As a health maintenance routine, I check their crops as they exit the coop every morning as empty aka: flat.
I only have 8 chickens so this is an easy routine. But, I will suggest to make a plan to check your chickens routinely.

I've read about the crop, full crop, and sour crop, but didn't have a clue where the crop was on the chicken until I just googled it; upper chest area. With that said, could you show a picture of her in the morning so that I/we can see an empty crop also?

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, I will do that.

 

[Vickischics]

Here are example pictures.
Empty crop and
Full crop.

 

[Aapomp831]

I've read about the crop, full crop, and sour crop, but didn't have a clue where the crop was on the chicken until I just googled it; upper chest area. With that said, could you show a picture of her in the morning so that I/we can see an empty crop also?

First thing in the morning, your birds will have an empty crop. You can easily feel it to the right of the breastbone. Each morning it should be empty, and then you should notice it full, all different sizes, throughout the day. If someone has an impacted crop (which leads to sour crop), it will be very noticeable as if someone is filling a balloon that won’t pop. After a few days of not digesting any food bc it’s stuck in the crop, you will notice the bird off on its own seeming sick - then you want to treat ASAP before the impacted food ferments (sours).

 

[Vickischics]

Attached is an EXCELLENT ARTICLE written by one of our very knowledgeable members aka: "Expert" as I say @TwoCrows.
It is very informative, factual and tells you all about how to differentiate the various crop issues and how to prevent them in the future. This article is an easy read.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/