Hen health...help!

[Cozycut]

I have a hen (approx. 4 years old) that has developed a huge fatty bulge on her chest. It is so large she is having trouble walking and getting on the roost. HELP...what can I do to help her?
Thanks!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I hope that the ER folks can help you out

 

[Wezdin]

Welcome To BYC! where exactly is the bulge? Are you sure i'ts not her crop?

 

[drumstick diva]

Would you please post a photo so we can see if it is her crop or something else? Thank you for joining us at Backyard Chickens.

 

[Cozycut]

Welcome To BYC! where exactly is the bulge? Are you sure i'ts not her crop?

It may be her crop...how do I confirm?

 

[Cozycut]

Would you please post a photo so we can see if it is her crop or something else? Thank you for joining us at Backyard Chickens.

Would you please post a photo so we can see if it is her crop or something else? Thank you for joining us at Backyard Chickens.

Will do when I get home.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Hello! Welcome to BYC!!

Hope you figure out what's wrong with your girl.

 

[Cozycut]

Will do when I get home.

 

[Cozycut]

I posted pictures on an earlier post in this thread.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have a hen (approx. 4 years old) that has developed a huge fatty bulge on her chest. It is so large she is having trouble walking and getting on the roost. HELP...what can I do to help her?
Thanks!

Hi @Cozycut Welcome To BYC

Thank you for the photos, it does look like your hen has quite a large crop.
Can you feel it first thing in the morning before she eats/drink to see if it's empty?

The way it seems to be hanging down, it may be what's called a Pendulous Crop, this is where the crop has stretched and then it is hard to empty. Chickens with a Pendulous crop may develop Sour Crop, which is just like it sounds, the contents has soured or become yeasty.

Is your hen currently laying eggs? It would be a good idea to feel her abdomen for any fullness, bloat or fluid. Often times a crop problem can be a symptom of an underlying illness like reproductive problems, worms or infection.

Read the following 2 articles for help in determining which "type" of crop problem she may have and report back to us. She may benefit from a crop bra (see end of first article or search online) to help get the crop emptied.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments