Hen with Sour crop... Advise

[colette peters]

Thank you for your information. I have been told to send the body to UCdavis by the vet and I most likely will do that.

But I’ve always noticed she was off on her walking, and more so in the last months it became really noticeable. And I thought it was such a cute character of hers, but to find out it may be more complicated than expected I truly feel she’s got more than a sour crop and more of like you said maybe a symptom of a more underlining condition or disease.
I’m at a loss on what to do with her. The vet really suggests I put her down cause I can treat her but she will most likely not survive. And is probably uncomfortable.

I didn't read any article that suggested aggressive treatment. But if the crop is sour and festering with yeast/fungal infection then usually the only way to treat that would be with a yeast/anti-fungal medication. You can get medication from your vet as suggested previously or choose to use an over the counter medication.
As stated in the previous post a lot of times a crop issue is a symptom of an underlying condition or disease. You have to determine if the crop is impacted/blocked by vegetation or if there is something else that is causing inflammation/blockage. For example a gizzard that is blocked or a reproductive problem that is causing inflammation and pressing upon the internal organs/digestive system -essentially slowing/blocking the passage of food.

If the crop has turn yeasty/sour and she has not been eating/drinking well, then that could possibly cause weakness to where she is not able to keep her balance or walk well.
But you have added to the symptoms now that you noticed that she has walked/ran "so funny" so to me, that would indicate she already has something else going on.
Marek's is a real possibility. Your vet is the one that examined her and came to that determination. All you can do is go by their recommendation or make an attempt to treat her and see how it goes.

If you do put her down, I recommend that you send the body to your state lab for testing, that will give you a report with confirmation of their findings. UC Davis is your lab system, you should be able to find instructions about how to get testing performed on their site
https://cahfs.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/

Here is a well written detailed article on crop issues that you may find helpful
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for your information. I have been told to send the body to UCdavis by the vet and I most likely will do that.

But I’ve always noticed she was off on her walking, and more so in the last months it became really noticeable. And I thought it was such a cute character of hers, but to find out it may be more complicated than expected I truly feel she’s got more than a sour crop and more of like you said maybe a symptom of a more underlining condition or disease.
I’m at a loss on what to do with her. The vet really suggests I put her down cause I can treat her but she will most likely not survive. And is probably uncomfortable.

I'm very sorry.
It's always hard to know which way to go, but I'm sure you will do what is right for you and her.

 

[colette peters]

I'm very sorry.
It's always hard to know which way to go, but I'm sure you will do what is right for you and her.

I’m just now reading if you change their food that can cause crop complications. I just changed it a week ago to crumble vs. a seedy type. omg I had no idea how sensitive they are

 

[BigATC]

I feel for your situation and I hope things work out for you.

I am certainly not second guessing anyone here or your vet in particular but, as a newbie myself, I'm just curious to know if your local vet there is poultry certified or something like that. I have not looked into vets near me that have some sort of specialty related to farm animals or poultry in particular. I should look into it I guess so I can be prepared just in case. I don't know if my dog/cat vet even takes chickens!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’m just now reading if you change their food that can cause crop complications. I just changed it a week ago to crumble vs. a seedy type. omg I had no idea how sensitive they are

Feed changes could possibly cause some problems, but chickens should be able to process just about anything if they are healthy and have a suitable source of grit.

I feel for your situation and I hope things work out for you.

I am certainly not second guessing anyone here or your vet in particular but, as a newbie myself, I'm just curious to know if your local vet there is poultry certified or something like that. I have not looked into vets near me that have some sort of specialty related to farm animals or poultry in particular. I should look into it I guess so I can be prepared just in case. I don't know if my dog/cat vet even takes chickens!

It's a good idea to see if you can find a vet that will see chickens. A lot of vets will not. Usually you have to find an Avian or Exotic vet, but if you have a regular cat/dog vet, it's worth speaking with them first

 

[colette peters]

I can’t say they are certified but they have watched/helped with 2 other hens. When I speak with them they seem to be very knowledgeable.
This is a sad position to be in. I could try and save her but there are so many “things” it could be and no true answers. I could dedicate all my time to her but I have 13 hens a 10 year old daughter and a full time day job. So it’s tough.
Is she suffering? Probably

And yes get your ducks lined up in a row so when you do panic you’ll know where to go. Not many vets take birds near me.

I feel for your situation and I hope things work out for you.

I am certainly not second guessing anyone here or your vet in particular but, as a newbie myself, I'm just curious to know if your local vet there is poultry certified or something like that. I have not looked into vets near me that have some sort of specialty related to farm animals or poultry in particular. I should look into it I guess so I can be prepared just in case. I don't know if my dog/cat vet even takes chickens!

 

[colette peters]

Feed changes could possibly cause some problems, but chickens should be able to process just about anything if they are healthy and have a suitable source of grit.
I’m pretty new at this.. but you mention a suitable source of grit. What would be an example? I put down oyster shells ever now and then? Maybe that’s a problem I’m not addressing?!!


It's a good idea to see if you can find a vet that will see chickens. A lot of vets will not. Usually you have to find an Avian or Exotic vet, but if you have a regular cat/dog vet, it's worth speaking with them first

 

[colette peters]

[QUOTEI’m pretty new at this.. but you mention a suitable source of grit. What would be an example? I put down oyster shells ever now and then? Maybe that’s a problem I’m not addressing?!

I wish I could use this platform like @Wyorp Rock this is so confusing for me to respond and highlight a quote. But glad I’m getting help

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Oyster shell is used as a source of Calcium. It is soluble.

Poultry grit that is used/stored in the gizzard can be purchased at the feed store, it's crushed granite. I prefer to make that available free choice just like I do oyster shell.

If you soil is rocky, your birds may find sufficient suitable grit naturally, but I still prefer to make it available.

 

[colette peters]

Oyster shell is used as a source of Calcium. It is soluble.

Poultry grit that is used/stored in the gizzard can be purchased at the feed store, it's crushed granite. I prefer to make that available free choice just like I do oyster shell.

If you soil is rocky, your birds may find sufficient suitable grit naturally, but I still prefer to make it available.

Oh I live in the woods def. not rocky. My run is muddy in the rain and it’s about 30ft long and then they go to the side of our house to the bamboo forest. They have a very good life and I do believe they are happy and filled with lots of love.