Full squishy crop in the morning and watery/bloody stools

[ash42287]

I have 3 (possibly 4) out of 8 hens that have full squishy crops this morning and have watery/bloody poops. They are standing and walking around, but are hanging around the water bowl and drinking lots of water. I noticed the poop first because there was less of it than usual overnight/last few days, had a different smell, and was red/pink and goopy. Now it’s more watery and red.

I’ve messaged their crops this morning, and the one with the fullest crop had water coming out of her mouth while I was massaging it.

I had been given them new treats and wonder if this could have caused anything. I normally don’t give treats, but they enjoyed these so much I’d throw some out for them once a day. The treats is a bag mix of meal worms, dried fruit, and seeds. I do have grit provided for them, but not sure how often they eat it.

Could this all be from impacted crop, or do I have a couple things going on? I’m worried about coccid, but don’t want to treat it if this is all from impacted crop. Does impacted crop cause blood in still though?

Any help would be greatly be appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

First, do not massage a squishy full crop, since that can force water out of the crop back up into the throat and airway causing choking. Only massage a doughy or firm crop safely. Is their any red color in the dried fruit or treat mix that would have made the droppings red? Monitor for any more blood or red. It is not common for hens over 4 months to have coccidiosis, but it is possible. Worms can also cause blood in droppings and crop problems. You can go ahead and worm with Valbazen or SafeGuard liquid goat wormer, or have your vet check some combined droppings for worms and coccidia. I would check crops again later today, remove food overnight and recheck the crops tomorrow morning. Did you check the crops this morning before any had access to food and water? The red in the 3rd picture has a pretty big crop. When they have a crop disorder they may drink a lot more water which in turn can make the droppings watery. Hopefully, they just overate the new treats. I would limit them to just a bit occasionally. You could separate the worst ones without food and just have plenty of water for the day. Here is a good article on crop problems:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[ash42287]

I did check their crops this morning before food and water. I had a suspicion last night that some were having crop issues, so I made sure to check first thing this morning. They don’t have access to food/water overnight.

The bag of treats has dried cranberries. I attached a picture of the bag and ingredients. I wondered if the red was that and maybe intestinal lining (some of it was more stringy looking yesterday). This morning it’s more watery with red.

My 4 girls that aren’t feeling well are the more dominant ones, and I did notice them taking over the treats last time I gave them on Thursday.

I won’t massage their crops anymore. Two of them have the full squishy crop that comes out of the mouth. The other two aren’t as full.

I’ll get the wormer and start them on it.

Should I separate and keep food away from the 4 that aren’t feeling well during the day, or is ok for them to stay with the others? Is there anything else I should do for now besides the wormer?

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

 

[ash42287]

I did check their crops this morning before food and water. I had a suspicion last night that some were having crop issues, so I made sure to check first thing this morning. They don’t have access to food/water overnight.

The bag of treats has dried cranberries. I attached a picture of the bag and ingredients. I wondered if the red was that and maybe intestinal lining (some of it was more stringy looking yesterday). This morning it’s more watery with red.

My 4 girls that aren’t feeling well are the more dominant ones, and I did notice them taking over the treats last time I gave them on Thursday.

I won’t massage their crops anymore. Two of them have the full squishy crop that comes out of the mouth. The other two aren’t as full.

I’ll get the wormer and start them on it.

Should I separate and keep food away from the 4 that aren’t feeling well during the day, or is ok for them to stay with the others? Is there anything else I should do for now besides the wormer?

Thank you so much for the quick reply!

I just reread and saw where you said to separate with plenty of water. Sorry for re-asking that question.

 

[Eggcessive]

The cranberry is probably the reason for the red color. I have a feeling they might have more empty crops by tomorrow or the next day. If you want to give something to eat for the 4, a little egg plus a spoonful of feed plus a lot of water. That way they get some calories. Coconut oil, just slightly chilled and cut into pieces may be given to hopefully speed up the emptying of the crop. Let us know how they are doing in the morning. If you want to hold off worming for a day or two, to see if all returns to normal, that would be fine.

 

[ash42287]

The cranberry is probably the reason for the red color. I have a feeling they might have more empty crops by tomorrow or the next day. If you want to give something to eat for the 4, a little egg plus a spponful of feed plus a lot of water. That way they get some calories. Coconut oil, just slightly chilled and cut into pieces may be given to hopefully speed up the emptying of the crop. Let us know how they are doing in the morning. If you want to hold off worming for a day or two, to see if all returns to normal, that would be fine.

Thank you! I just gave them a bit of coconut oil. I’ll feed them as you suggested and keep an eye on them. I’ll update in the morning. Thank you so much for your help! I can tell you how much I appreciate it.

 

[ash42287]

The hen that has the fullest is staying separate from the others and is breathing through her mouth. She seems to have a bit of a smell to her breath. Should I start yeast medication, or give it another day first?

 

[ash42287]

The cranberry is probably the reason for the red color. I have a feeling they might have more empty crops by tomorrow or the next day. If you want to give something to eat for the 4, a little egg plus a spoonful of feed plus a lot of water. That way they get some calories. Coconut oil, just slightly chilled and cut into pieces may be given to hopefully speed up the emptying of the crop. Let us know how they are doing in the morning. If you want to hold off worming for a day or two, to see if all returns to normal, that would be fine.

I feel like I’m going to lose one. She’s breathing from her mouth/panting. She’s laying flatter to the ground. I think I may have made it worse when I had first tried to massage it this morning and the water came out of her mouth. We haven’t lost a chicken yet, and I feel so guilty if we lose one because of treats and me making it worse by massaging her crop.

 

[ash42287]

I’ve become more confused as the day has gone on. One of my girls is doing very poorly. She is the one that looks like she’s on her way out. We’re having to offer her water with electrolytes/probiotics, because she won’t go to the water anymore. She didn’t want to eat the egg. I gave her very little coconut oil. She’s breathing through her mouth and at times places her beak onto the ground. My husband went to move her once, and gas seemed to come out like a burp. We tried to give her yeast medicine. Hope that was an ok thing to do. We have her completely separated from the others. Her crop has gone down some.

Another 1 of the 4, is standing in the corner, but constantly shakes her head.

One of the others just stands in the corner.

The 4th one is standing by the water and closes her eyes often.

Their poops are still watery and maroon/red colored.

I have no idea what to do, and if I should worry about my other 4 who don’t have any symptoms.