Help please!

[joanm]

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!

 

[michellerene]

If they have anything besides chick starter, they need grit-- regular old washed sand or some sandy dirt from outside will work.

 

[Dom'sHEns]

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

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

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

 

[joanm]

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?

 

[justusnak]

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!

 

[CarriBrown]

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!

 

[joanm]

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?

 

[hencackle]

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

 

[joanm]

Thanks guys! I just had my sis check the girls and their crops have gone down. I think everything is okay!