Chicken swallowed a bolt

[Winderdear]

I massaged my hen’s crop for the past few days because it has been slow to empty. My husband and I both felt a hexagonal bolt, maybe 3/4 of an inch long inside her crop this morning. I’m not certain, but I believe it is a stainless steel bolt from our greenhouse that blew over.

How dangerous is this situation? We have no transportation at the moment. It may be a few days longer before we can get her to a vet, and I don’t feel confident doing surgery myself.

Edit: Here are some pictures of a similar bolt to the one we suspect was swallowed

 

[Debbie292d]

Generally, what goes in, can come out. At least the bright side is that this isn't a nail. There's a possibility she can pass this.

I'd withdraw feed so that her digestive system works on getting this out. You could give a little bit of frozen coconut oil, so that you don't have to mix it in feed. Just break off a small chunk of it and put it in her beak. That might help ease things along. For water, one time only, I'd give electrolytes. Otherwise, fresh water. Keep her hydrated.

I have high hopes it'll pass! Keep us posted.

 

[Triangle Nostril]

Not a nail or screw so the worst fear of it puncturing something internal seems resolved. I've had a similar scare before and from my research, it'll get gradually worn down in the gizzard and either come out with time or just hang in there becoming a part of the digestive system. They eat rocks, so getting something like this lodged is probably not much of a concern.

Like @Debbie292d said - maybe restrict feed a bit and give coconut oil. I think it'll be fine. Don't try to force it down with a massage and keep an eye out on the crop (particularly in the morning) for any abnormalities. It'll probably resolve on its own.