My chicks are one week old. I took them outside yesterday and they ate clover tops. I also gave them dried peas and corn (crushed) not very much at all. I noticed tonight on my two orps that their crops? are poking out. They kind of look lopsided. What does this mean? Do they need grit? Did I do a no-no? HELP!
If they have anything besides chick starter, they need grit-- regular old washed sand or some sandy dirt from outside will work.
yea, ou can try offering them girt....see what happens. ALso try masaging there little crops to get things moving. I would closely monator their "pooping abilities." and if it seems they are having trouble feed them some mineral oil with a dropper...i've heard olive oil can work as well. Others here prob have good advice as well. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck! stay well, Dom
Ok, my experience with my group has been.. this often happens before bedtime. They eat and fill their crop. By morning, though it should be much smaller (or gone). And I agree, if you are feeding anything besides started give them some grit. Be prepared for them to be VERY excited over it! Meghan
I put some sandy dirt in the brooder, they did eat some, don't know if all did. Do chickens get "sour crop" like cocktiels?
Yes, chickens can get sour crop. I doubt this is what you are seeing tho. Sounds to me more like a full crop. Just waite it out for the night....should go down my morning. Good luck...let us know!
Take their food away for the night to be sure they don't eat. And yes, by morning the crop should go down. Let us know what happens!
I didn't take away their food last night.... didn't read that one in time. They seem to be small this morning... should I take away their food tonight?
Joanm, you don't need to take their food away tonight. That was just for one night to determine if there was a problem with the chicks' crops. Everything sounds normal with your chicks. I use parakeet/caged bird grit from the grocery store. It's cheap and a box will last a long time. Stephanie
Thanks guys! I just had my sis check the girls and their crops have gone down. I think everything is okay!