Chest lump?

[Shrader]

My chicks are now almost a month old. (Wow, time flies!) As they've grown and sprouted their feathers, they've all (9) developed what looks like either a large lump on the right side of their chest, or just an uneven chest (with the right side protruding much further). My digital camera is broken, so I can't take a pic, but does anyone know anything about this? I was very concerned when I noticed the first one, but they all seem to have it. And they're acting just fine. Lots of energy, normal eating, normal breathing and pooping. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Scott]

I hate to state the obvious, but have you considered that it could just be their crops are full? Is the lump more pronounced after they eat? If so, then I suspect that's all it is. And yes, it's normal.

 

[Shrader]

Please do state the obvious. I'm brand new at this and (I have to be honest) I don't even know what the crop is. Is it on the right hand side of their chest? Could it just be, basically, a full belly? That'd be great. Thanks.

 

[Scott]

Yeah, it's located to one side of the chest. I'm relatively new to chickens as well, so someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the crop is an organ for food storage in birds. You'll notice that after they eat, one side of the chest will seem full. And yeah, it's basically like having a full stomach.