Do Chickens Get Goiters?

[Storybook Farm]

I have had three chickens (out of hundreds) with a large, spongy.... thing that sloshes around on their breast. What is it? (First two times they were hens, this time it's a young roo.) All three times it was young birds. All of these birds are fed the same feed as all my healthy chickens.

Thoughts?

 

[sourland]

It sounds as if your bird may have sour crop. Do an on site search on 'sour crop', and see if that is fact.

 

[Storybook Farm]

Seems likely, thanks. So... I see how to cure it... what causes it?

 

[OwO]

It might not even be sour, do they act as if they are unwell? Does the crop feel empty first thing in the morning? Do they have foul smelling breath?

If it is sour you will notice their breath should smell and they may act lethargic. It is caused by them eating too much grass which then decays inside their crop. If their crop feels empty first thing in the morning, but full just before they go to bed, then it is likely just a normal crop.

 

[Storybook Farm]

I'll have to see tomorrow. I'll report back.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It does sound like a crop issue - I agree with @MelonHeadSeb investigating further whether the crop is emptying properly overnight would be in order. Here's more information about the type of issues that affect the crop and how to treat them.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

Keep us posted.

 

[Storybook Farm]

Thanks so much!