Crop issues with week old chick

[JMilner]

We got our little flock a week ago from IFA. Our baby rhode island red was the smallest so we avoided handling her too much so she wouldn't get stressed. She was never as perky as the others, but I thought it was because she was a touch younger. Last night I finally scooped her up to start getting her used to being handled by people and found that her crop was the size of a large marble.

She is still eating chick crumbles and drinking but she isn't growing like the other chicks. When she isn't eating, she is usually snuggled in a corner somewhere sleeping, and is not as active as the other girls.

This morning the crop hadn't emptied so I know that it's a problem. Resources for crop issues in super young chicks seems harder to find so I'm hoping that perhaps you wonderful people would have some ideas.

I've already added apple cider vinegar to the water and removed the pine shavings from the brooder (just in case she might have been eating them), I served up the crumbles mixed with plain yogurt and am continuing to offer moistened crumbles, and I am gently massaging the crop several times a day.

Is there anything else I can do?

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

Do you use a heat lamp or a brooder plate/heating pad?

 

[JMilner]

Yes, I use a 60 w heat lamp. The highest temp in the brooder is around 110 and the surrounding area gets to around 85. The other end of the brooder stays at room temperature. Little Red is doing a bit better today, this morning her crop was about half the size it was yesterday morning so I think the massaging is helping (plus a little Epson salt to help things get moving). She is still eating well so I am hopeful. My biggest worry now is that this will be a recurring problem with her and she will always have to be watched closely.

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

With a heat lamp you'll probably never feel an empty crop as there is never a darkness cycle, and therefore, the chicks will constantly keep their crops full. If she's moving around, eating, and drinking she's likely fine. They can stuff a lot in those things!