Hello! This is our first set of chicks. They are approx. 4 weeks old. They have feathered out a bit and it is quite warm here in SW GA, and so yesterday our chicks had their first outdoors outing and moved from the brooder box to coop. We have 8 buff Orpington pullets, and 1 that we were told is an Ayam Cemani pullet which is black & white and was given to us by the hatchery for free due to the less than ideal coloring. We have endearingly named this chick Cookie. All of them have seemed active, healthy, eating/drinking, pooping, no pasty butt issues. They were VERY ready to get out of the box and into the coop, and seem to be really enjoying it so far. We also have incorporated a small amount of chick Grit and meal worms as a treat for the last 2 days (maybe just about 2 worms each, not much). Yesterday when we brought them outside, I noticed that Cookie’s crop appeared larger than the other birds. It seemed improved this morning. But I noticed it again this afternoon. Both times around 4pm. Cookie is smaller than the other birds, so I was wondering if her crop is just more prominent now. It feels firm but mobile / slightly spongey. She seems to be acting normal, eating and drinking. She had 2 large, well-formed poops while I was watching her this afternoon - one the usual green/brown with a white cap, and one orange-ish (Cecal poop?). I have held off on any treats and Grit today, they only feed on organic chick starter. I will attach photos of the chick. Does this appear normal / part of the digestive process after eating all day? Should I be concerned about crop impaction if it does not appear smaller in the morning? Should I be massaging and try olive/coconut oil?
Thanks for any advice or tips on how to help our Cookie!
Thanks for any advice or tips on how to help our Cookie!
