My tiny flock seems plagued with sour crop. In January, I lost one (miconazole seemed to be helping then she relapsed on day 6 of treatment). This time it's the other red sex link that I got at the same time. About 2 years old. She was not as interested in food, and lethargic- when I picked her up sour fluid came out of a squishy full crop. Whole blueberries (which has been eaten the previous day) came out with the clear liquid.
I brought her in to isolate, offered scrambled eggs, with softened pellets and meal worms. Started miconazole and coconut oil. She perked up considerably, drank water but didn't care about food. Passed some yellow/green tinted liquid, but not really pooping. But at least liquid is moving through her, so I treated her twice am, midday and returned her to the flock. Last night reread the article on crops, and gave her calcium citrate with more miconazole and coconut oil after dark. This morning she fought fiercely- each time I'd open her mouth (wattles or prying open) she shakes her head violently. The crop was full enough that this was spewing sour liquid. Despite knowing it's not recommended, I tipped her a few times to lower the fluid level. The fluid is not opaque and rust colored (as was the case with the other hen). It's mild outside, so I left her with the flock. Tonight will be cold, so I'll likely bring her in. Planning to treat with more miconazole and more coconut oil, at least 3x/day (more often when she's caged). I've melted some coconut oil to which I've added calcium citrate and nutridrench- so once it's solid I can get more good stuff in her with less of her being able to sling it everywhere.
I'm concerned because now I've had several cases. They have oyster shell and grit out. They have NEVER seemed to touch the grit. But they do go out all day in a 30' by 65' fenced yard. They are likely getting some gritty stuff outside? But they have zero interest in grit. They only have occasional interest in oyster shell-- they used to eat it enthusiastically when I bought it from Scratch & Peck, but they've been out for a long time. The oyster shell I've gotten other places does not have the same appeal for them. But it does gradually disappear.
This hen was laying a few weeks ago, but stopped. That doesn't surprise me, it's been 80 degrees then 20 degrees.
Questions: How many days do I give the calcium citrate? (I know miconazole is 7 days). Will massaging her crop (ie pushing up to encourage emptying) help? Or at least not hurt? I'm thinking go with as much coconut oil as I can get in her, both for calories and for lubing things-- but there is no hard mass in her crop. I'm worried the issue is further down. Is there anything else I should be doing/trying?
I brought her in to isolate, offered scrambled eggs, with softened pellets and meal worms. Started miconazole and coconut oil. She perked up considerably, drank water but didn't care about food. Passed some yellow/green tinted liquid, but not really pooping. But at least liquid is moving through her, so I treated her twice am, midday and returned her to the flock. Last night reread the article on crops, and gave her calcium citrate with more miconazole and coconut oil after dark. This morning she fought fiercely- each time I'd open her mouth (wattles or prying open) she shakes her head violently. The crop was full enough that this was spewing sour liquid. Despite knowing it's not recommended, I tipped her a few times to lower the fluid level. The fluid is not opaque and rust colored (as was the case with the other hen). It's mild outside, so I left her with the flock. Tonight will be cold, so I'll likely bring her in. Planning to treat with more miconazole and more coconut oil, at least 3x/day (more often when she's caged). I've melted some coconut oil to which I've added calcium citrate and nutridrench- so once it's solid I can get more good stuff in her with less of her being able to sling it everywhere.
I'm concerned because now I've had several cases. They have oyster shell and grit out. They have NEVER seemed to touch the grit. But they do go out all day in a 30' by 65' fenced yard. They are likely getting some gritty stuff outside? But they have zero interest in grit. They only have occasional interest in oyster shell-- they used to eat it enthusiastically when I bought it from Scratch & Peck, but they've been out for a long time. The oyster shell I've gotten other places does not have the same appeal for them. But it does gradually disappear.
This hen was laying a few weeks ago, but stopped. That doesn't surprise me, it's been 80 degrees then 20 degrees.
Questions: How many days do I give the calcium citrate? (I know miconazole is 7 days). Will massaging her crop (ie pushing up to encourage emptying) help? Or at least not hurt? I'm thinking go with as much coconut oil as I can get in her, both for calories and for lubing things-- but there is no hard mass in her crop. I'm worried the issue is further down. Is there anything else I should be doing/trying?