re: crop problems - it has become apparent the little girl has sour crop. She's been spitting up like a baby. And her crop did not go down overnight. It's soft and squishy, not hard. So I did a whole lot of reading and then spent the day massaging her crop and making her regurgitate, a little at a time and very careful so she didn't aspirate any. When she had enough of that, I made her a mash of pellets, yoghurt, baking soda and carway seed ground up. She's been eating that good, and though her crop is still big, she is pooping so she's not blocked. I read to repeat it for three days... So regurgitating again tomorrow.
Tailfeathers: yes I'm the one who drove down from Canada and picked up the eggs for my aunt in Seattle. The fertility on the eggs was outstanding. Unfortunately there was a power outage while she was away at work and most of the eggs were lost, but three wellies (2 girls and 1 boy) and 3 Barnies made it. I just saw them and the Barnies are spectacular, already showing double lacing and absolute healthy little chicks- they are quite a bit bigger than the Wellies. Next time I see her I'll get some pics. I know she's hoping the Barnies are not all boys. Down sexing...one boy, one girl, one?. Size of combs - different than the down. Development of feathers, different than the previous two. So I guess its wait till they are a little older. Beautiful chicks.