Drowning, choking . . . ?

[Gercarson]

I thought I took very good care of my little flock - but within the last two weeks three of my beautiful Wyandottes have died.
They seem to be choking (mildly) and then drowning in their own throat liquid. They do not defecate, they squirt. Please, someone tell me how to stop this . . . right away!

 

[teach1rusl]

Can you give us more information??? Were the crops normal (not hard)?? Were their weights normal (don't base on how they look, base on how they FELT)?? How long had the liquid poo been happening (squirts)??? Any other symptoms or info.can help people help you figure out what's happening...

 

[Gercarson]

The do seem to weaken slowly, they start to look tired and like to rest a lot.
Not sure about the squirts - how long or how often, since they DO eat, but don't notice
how much.

 

[Dawna]

I have four SLW, about 7 months old. They are all laying now. But the other day one of them started to squawk, but sounded like she was gargling. That is the only time I have heard it. Is this how yours started? I didn't think anything about it till I read your question.

 

[Gercarson]

Pretty much the same - I've never run across anything like this before.

 

[teach1rusl]

I'm wondering if they've been getting into something that would result in an impacted crop?? When the crop is blocked, only a little liquid can get through, hence the "squirts" rather than more solid poop. And because nothing can get through that area, liquid (as well as solid masses) are stuck there and could come back up through the throat. But I wouldn't think that it would happen to several birds??? Unless they're getting into something??
Do a search (google or byc) on "impacted crop" and see if it sounds like a possibility...