Hi, One of my 2-month old pullets has one side of her crop really full. It doesn't feel hard underneath, but she is definitely lop-sided. I have been letting them out for a few hours nearly every day. And I was giving them grit, though it was pigeon grit, I've found out, so I switched them to crushed granite. Is she in trouble? What can I do? Thanks! Jeff
She's fine, just really full. If the crop (found on the right side of the chest) doesn't go down overnight then you have a problem, but your girl probably just found some really good treats and stuffed herself.
Oh, it just looked really funny. I thought the crop was centered on their breast. They were out running around and I discovered a bunch of black soldier fly grubs and so they had some of those. I can squish the crop around. That's where the grit ends up? Or the gizzard? Birds sure are weird. THanks for all the prompt info. I was reading old posts but people respond so quickly here. You guys rule.
Grit works in the gizzard. Here's a good link to a govt. page showing the digestive tract of the chicken and explains how this all works. http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/27_2705.htm Specifically on your question, the crop serves as a holding tank for the food. There's some enzyme action there, but most digestion occurs in the gizzard and thereafter.
