Help sour crop

[Searingstallion]

I took my chicken to the vet on Monday cause her crop wasn’t emptying and she lost some weight she’s also molting right now the vet said that can make them more susceptible to infection so he looked her over and found no tumors since she is on the older side but he did say the crop is inflamed and he gave me antibiotics for it I’m on the third day of giving her it and the ball of food is still there I’m wondering if there’s anything I can give so she has something to eat other than that her droppings are normal and she acting pretty normal

 

[FarmerGirl101]

When you feel her crop right at bedtime and in the morning before she gets to eat, how much does it empty by? Is her crop inflamed or just enlarged to due food or fluid in it? Does it feel solid, doughy, or gas/fluid filled? What are the antibiotics prescribed?

Here are two articles about crop issues and how to identify them. The third article is another treatment for slow/impacted crop that I would try if the treatments in the first two don't work.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/another-remedy-for-slow-impacted-crop-problems.79871/

 

[Searingstallion]

He said it’s inflamed and feels abnormal I think it’s hard in the morning or possibly doughy but it is doughy in the afternoon medication amoxicillin clavulanate

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Disclaimer in that I'm not a vet but when I look up the medication, it seems the only application is for infections. An impacted crop is not an infection and will feel abnormal and enlarged BECAUSE it is impacted. I'm not sure I would return to this vet if it were me since there wasn't a clear reasoning to prescribe this medication. An avian vet should be more well versed in crop issues. I honestly wouldn't continue it but that is my opinion.

You are not dealing with sour crop but with an impacted crop. She can have free access to food, water, and grit. Follow the articles and their instructions. I think this is most likely impacted crop and not doughy crop. What you should do is give her some coconut oil and gently massage her crop multiple times a day to break it down. If that doesn't work after a day, you might want to follow the third article's treatment. Make sure to take away her food at night and feel her crop right before bed and right before she gets her food back in the morning.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I took my chicken to the vet on Monday cause her crop wasn’t emptying and she lost some weight she’s also molting right now the vet said that can make them more susceptible to infection so he looked her over and found no tumors since she is on the older side but he did say the crop is inflamed and he gave me antibiotics for it I’m on the third day of giving her it and the ball of food is still there I’m wondering if there’s anything I can give so she has something to eat other than that her droppings are normal and she acting pretty normal

He said it’s inflamed and feels abnormal I think it’s hard in the morning or possibly doughy but it is doughy in the afternoon medication amoxicillin clavulanate

Since you've started the antibiotic and the Vet feels she may have some type of infection, it may be best to finish the medication or reconsult the vet.

Do however, address the crop symptoms as well. If the crop is doughy, then start with giving 1teaspoon coconut oil twice a day and massage afterward.

Re-check the crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink, see if the crop is emptying.

It's not that uncommon for a hen to have a sluggish crop during molt. Often they don't feel that well and don't eat like they should. See if you can entice her to eat a little wet feed, scrambled egg or some fish like sardines. Make food/water available during waking hours. She likely will benefit from staying with her flock unless she's being bullied or kept from food/water.

 

[Searingstallion]

Disclaimer in that I'm not a vet but when I look up the medication, it seems the only application is for infections. An impacted crop is not an infection and will feel abnormal and enlarged BECAUSE it is impacted. I'm not sure I would return to this vet if it were me since there wasn't a clear reasoning to prescribe this medication. An avian vet should be more well versed in crop issues. I honestly wouldn't continue it but that is my opinion.

You are not dealing with sour crop but with an impacted crop. She can have free access to food, water, and grit. Follow the articles and their instructions. I think this is most likely impacted crop and not doughy crop. What you should do is give her some coconut oil and gently massage her crop multiple times a day to break it down. If that doesn't work after a day, you might want to follow the third article's treatment. Make sure to take away her food at night and feel her crop right before bed and right before she gets her food back in the morning.

I will give it a try but does coconut oil really work

 

[Searingstallion]

Since you've started the antibiotic and the Vet feels she may have some type of infection, it may be best to finish the medication or reconsult the vet.

Do however, address the crop symptoms as well. If the crop is doughy, then start with giving 1teaspoon coconut oil twice a day and massage afterward.

Re-check the crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink, see if the crop is emptying.

It's not that uncommon for a hen to have a sluggish crop during molt. Often they don't feel that well and don't eat like they should. See if you can entice her to eat a little wet feed, scrambled egg or some fish like sardines. Make food/water available during waking hours. She likely will benefit from staying with her flock unless she's being bullied or kept from food/water.

She does eat wet feed but does the coconut oil really work I be willing to give it a try also I heard to chill it and give 2 teaspoons have you had any success your way

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I will give it a try but does coconut oil really work

Yes it does. Due to its low coefficient of friction, it helps lubricate what's inside the crop to break it down into smaller pieces. This combined with massage the crop after giving the coconut oil helps to break down the impaction in their crop.