Empty crop

[Bring]

I just put a new ee pullet in with the rest of my flock. She is eating. I even hand fed her just to make sure. Her crop is completely empty. No bulge, nothing. What's going on? She was chasing grasshoppers and eating them. She is a bit slower than the other girls and a little on the light side. Any ideas?

 

[mbq]

I also have a sweet, slower young hen with an empty crop; I'll be looking for replies

 

[threehorses]

If she's really sweet, or slower, she might not be going up to eat. People tend to think that there's only bullying if they see bullying. But sometimes the more meek chickens will simply just not approach the feed area if the other birds are around it. So just check her weight, keep on top of it, and if necessary you might have to just have a second feeder; that sometimes helps.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I totally agree. With two feeders my Lilith still has to sneak to get her fair share of feed. I bring her in the yard from time to time just so she can get some treats for herself. When I scatter treats for all she doesn't even try to get any.

 

[Bring]

Okay, i will try that. I have 7 chickens, including the newbie. The feeder is large, but I have seen the other's chase her off. I will definately put out some food just for her. My son, he's 5, named her buffy. It's his bird. I'll make sure he gives her extra love and treats too.

 

[threehorses]

The fun part of all this is that you realize you might "have" to get a lawnchair and a cold drink and relax and watch the chickens for a while to make sure it's working. /wink wink.

 

[Bring]

I like doing that anyway. I love watching them. It's how i got them used to me. They come running when they see me now. same with my goats.