CROP OVERLOAD

[tolman]

I have 16 hens and 2 roosters , they free range during the day in a 400 sq ft area of grass,weeds,dirt, rock and sand.All within a 6 ft chainlink fence.They do have access to food and water 24/7 even at night when they are locked in the 24 ft 1950"s mobile home I converted into a coop. My concern is that 5 of the hens appear to be over eating,their crops are huge,at least compared to the others. I feed them layer crumble and have oyster shell available.They all seam perfectly healthy other than the bulging crops.I do give them an occasional treat of one of the following,-bread-corn on cob-popped popcorn,or fruit and veggies left over from meals, of which they get some once a day. Should I be considering a rationing program or is something Im feeding them causing their crops to bloat or something ? They are all about a year old . I do not have a way to post a pic . Thank You for any ideas and info in advance.

 

[cookfamilyfarm]

Hi, tolman. At the end of the day, our hens crops bulge also. Sometimes ,I think they are trying to get what they can before dark, and of coarse there are some of ours that's low in the pecking order and they don't get access to the feed until the dominate ones have their fill. I like all the things you give them, and I give ours bread too, I just have to watch how much. If you have a light on all night I would check them first thing in the morning to see if they are extra large, then if you feel they are too big or too fat just turn off the light. If there is no light they won't eat till sun up. Then check. It sounds like you are taking very good care of them.

 

[Chadsky]

my pullets are the same way, they free range all day with layer crumble available and when they come to the coop to roost the crops look like they have a baseball in them. come morning they're looking for more feed. sounds like there is lots of natural grit in the pen for them so i think they are just getting a real good fill before bedtime.

 

[CedarAcres]

If their crops are emptying over night, then they should be fine. Some hens really gorge themselves. I'd check first thing in the morning before they start eating, and if their crops have emptied, all is well.

 

[tolman]

Thank You for your input, I will watch them more closely in the morning to make sure their crops are emptying over night. And come to think of it the evenings are when I have more time to interact with them.