"down" rooster, not sure what to do.

[Dora'smom]

You probably should have your friend massage the crop, and feel for what might be in there. Sometimes you can feel a firm mass or stringy mass, etc. At least then you know what you are working with. I have heard that people have given small amounts of bread soaked in olive or other vegetable oil to try to loosen up whatever is in there. Massage would be the first go-to, however.

 

[Layira]

Hi everyone, thanks for replying. This guy is actually mine. His crop was bulged yesterday but it was pretty late when I checked on them so I figured this was because of eating all day. When I felt his crop it seemed to be squishy instead of firm(like usual) like the rest of my chickens. It was then I noticed his disinterest in everything. Like Celtic Hill said, he was pretty much just standing around all day, not scratching or even bothering to leave the pen.

He seems pretty much the same today, but I wasn't able to give him as thorough of a check up as I wanted. I was thinking of trying to give him oil if massaging doesn't work...is there any recommended kind?

 

[DaniLovesChickens]

I used mineral oil. It worked better for me than olive oil. You need to make sure that that is what's going on before giving him oil though.

I agree about NOT sticking anything down his throat unless it is an absolute last resort. That could cause some serious damage. Taking care of an impacted crop takes patience so don't rush it. Just watch him carefully. I still fed my hen. I gave her feed mash in oil. That kept her having protein so that she wouldn't molt. She was only a pullet.

Him not showing any interest in anything and having his tail down just means that he's sick. That's their way of letting you know something's wrong. Really check him out though. Sometimes by time you know something is wrong, there is something very wrong.



Best of luck with your guy!

 

[Layira]

It turns out it wasn't an impacted crop at all! I noticed he wasn't pooping at all when I had him separated and finally he passed something. It was a large, rolled up bunch of hay he must have eaten that didn't digest, and seemed to be obstructing his bowels. The next morning after it came out, he was much better and couldn't wait to get back to see the rest of the flock!

Guess its just one of those things, but he's just fine!

 

[PunkinPeep]

Great news!