My 5 moth old rooster has a HUGE crop, it sways when he walks. He has to pick his feet up so high to keep his balance when he walks - his feet hit his crop and all the feathers are worn away.
About 2 months ago, we did surgery to clean out his impacted crop, kept him in solitary confinement for a week, gave him soft foods - all the stuff I've read that you should do. He turned out great - full of energy. Now he can't keep up with his buddies because he can't move very fast. The chickens free range for about an hour or two every afternoon. Yesterday, I watched him take a green bean off a bush and eat the bean whole, like spaghetti - now that can't be good for him! (I couldn't get to him fast enough to get it away, but then, who knows how often he does that when I'm not around!)
We put him in confinement again last night, but don't want to stress him with surgery again. Besides, his crop is soft and he's pooping, so something must be getting to his gizzard. My question is...can I put him on a crash diet? He certainly has enough in him to keep him nourished. Should I give him soft food for a while? Is this a genetic thing and he just can't pass food properly? He's a beautiful boy and it makes me sad to see him like this.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Lynn
About 2 months ago, we did surgery to clean out his impacted crop, kept him in solitary confinement for a week, gave him soft foods - all the stuff I've read that you should do. He turned out great - full of energy. Now he can't keep up with his buddies because he can't move very fast. The chickens free range for about an hour or two every afternoon. Yesterday, I watched him take a green bean off a bush and eat the bean whole, like spaghetti - now that can't be good for him! (I couldn't get to him fast enough to get it away, but then, who knows how often he does that when I'm not around!)
We put him in confinement again last night, but don't want to stress him with surgery again. Besides, his crop is soft and he's pooping, so something must be getting to his gizzard. My question is...can I put him on a crash diet? He certainly has enough in him to keep him nourished. Should I give him soft food for a while? Is this a genetic thing and he just can't pass food properly? He's a beautiful boy and it makes me sad to see him like this.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
Lynn