Hen threw up a little?

[australorp_breeder]

I was holding one of my chickens and she threw up a little bit of clear stuff. Is that normal? Was it because I was squeezing her too hard? I was holding the side of her against me. I felt her crop and she has food in it.

 

[PunkinPeep]

Sometimes, if you pick them up a little the wrong way, or more likely, they just ate or drank something that isn't quite settled, you can accidentally make them 'give it back.'

I've done that before.

If you're concerned there might be a real problem, just make sure she can't have food during the night and check first thing in the morning to make sure the crop is empty. If it is, no worries.

 

[australorp_breeder]

Okay, thank you! I was just being cautious because I'm showing her tomorrow so I'm watching her like a hawk.

 

[Whitehouse Quail]

Yes, it happens with my quail/chickens when they are upset at being held or I pick them up funny

Completely fine!

 

[australorp_breeder]

Thank you!

 

[Bec]

Yes, mine do that if I pick them up right after they had a drink....it's so gross...kind of warm and slimy

But no worries! She's ok!

 

[australorp_breeder]

Thank you! Since we're on the subject...how come when you pick up chicks sometimes they'll randomly spit up even when you're not squeezing them? That's happened to me twice with chicks. I feed them Chick Starter. I've always though maybe they ate too much and didn't know when to stop eating?

 

[Akane]

They probably did eat or drink a bit too much. Then they tense or struggle over being picked up and squish their own crop. It happens every time if I just refilled the chicks food and water and then try to move them quickly.

 

[alicefelldown]

Was watching one of my hens chowing down on ants the other day, when she stopped, looked around, and threw up a little. Haven't seen her eating ants since.

 

[australorp_breeder]

Thank you! And lol! My chickens eat ants sometimes, but only a couple. I guess they're not one of their favorites. They love the Hen Scratch we feed them, and they love all of the fresh grass!