gizzard problems!

[Littlefox26]

I have a group of aproxamitly 6 week old chicks. One, and only one, started bloting at the base of her neck a few days ago. I called around trying to find a vet who could help me (my merk manual has magicly disappeared). I FINALLY found one who could help over the phone since the closest one is 3 hours ago. They said it sounded like an over full gizzard and to turn her upside down and "milk" the fluid out. I did this tonight and it helped but its still swollen. I figured I would give her time to rest and try again in the morning. She started eating almost as soon as I put her back in with the rest.
Is there any way to prevent this from happening again? Is this caused by over eating or eating to fast? They have ample free choice feed and water 24/7. I dont have the time or patience to keep this up with her every day.

 

[justplainbatty]

I have a group of aproxamitly 6 week old chicks. One, and only one, started bloting at the base of her neck a few days ago. I called around trying to find a vet who could help me (my merk manual has magicly disappeared). I FINALLY found one who could help over the phone since the closest one is 3 hours ago. They said it sounded like an over full gizzard and to turn her upside down and "milk" the fluid out. I did this tonight and it helped but its still swollen. I figured I would give her time to rest and try again in the morning. She started eating almost as soon as I put her back in with the rest.
Is there any way to prevent this from happening again? Is this caused by over eating or eating to fast? They have ample free choice feed and water 24/7. I dont have the time or patience to keep this up with her every day.

Is it the gizzard or the crop? I would check the crop to make sure it is functioning properly. Some chickens do over eat and sometimes, like this time of year, they eat long grassy stuff that didn't get cut down last year. That can bind the crop and/or gizzard. Make sure she gets plenty of grit, and soft foods to eat until she is normal. (boiled or scrambled egg, wet mash, a little bit of yogurt). Read about slow, sour and impacted crops and cures on this site. She can recover with a little patience and help from you.

 

[Littlefox26]

I am honestly not sure wether it is one or the other. I am very new to the whole chicken thing, I'm used to horses who are lots bigger. I know almost nothing about chicken anatomy so I will be doing a lot of research on this site. Thanks so much.

 

[justplainbatty]

I am honestly not sure wether it is one or the other. I am very new to the whole chicken thing, I'm used to horses who are lots bigger. I know almost nothing about chicken anatomy so I will be doing a lot of research on this site. Thanks so much.

How is your bird today?

 

[Littlefox26]

I unfortunately lost her a few days after the initial post. I wasn't fast enough in beginning treatment.bi was able to contact a vet eventually who gave me some information and then did some research in the learning center here. My Merck manual has gone missing saddle. Her croup had become engorged and stoped working before I could help her.
I do really appreciate the help from everyone here you guys got me pointed in the right direction. I just wish I had caught it earlier.

 

[justplainbatty]

I unfortunately lost her a few days after the initial post. I wasn't fast enough in beginning treatment.bi was able to contact a vet eventually who gave me some information and then did some research in the learning center here. My Merck manual has gone missing saddle. Her croup had become engorged and stoped working before I could help her.
I do really appreciate the help from everyone here you guys got me pointed in the right direction. I just wish I had caught it earlier.

Sorry to hear that.

We all lose one or two when we're first learning, don't beat yourself up. You know now, in the future, how to recognize and treat that problem.

 

[Littlefox26]

Thank you its hard and I know its part of learning but its never fun.