Huge Crop: When to Intervene?

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Today I noticed that my 4.5 y/o RIR has a massive crop, more than usual. I noticed it slightly swings left and right when she runs and, I dunno, just seems really big. It feels firm but with give--not hard or anything.

At what point should I worry or keep her from eating or drinking? I don't want to be too hasty since she is acting very bright and energetic and I did see her poop (normal for her, which is formed but slightly runny). I'm wondering if she maybe got a mouse or something big in there.

She'd finished up molting a month ago, and her comb has been getting redder, so it could just seem really big because she's eating more than she had been. Below are pictures, though they don't capture its size well, which feels like a baseball or softball. I'm worried because she's scratching around outside and eating away--and I don't want her to add to a problem.

 

[My Three Chicks]

Is her crop fully emptying overnight? If you aren't sure then you need to check first thing in the morning before they start eating/drinking. Just feel in her crop area, it should be completely flat. If her crop is emptying fully at night then you don't have anything to worry about.
Based on the photos it looks like a normal full crop.

 

[RoyalChick]

As long as it empties overnight I would just ask her if she has room for dessert.
To me it looks like a bullish crop.

My hen Bernie can still fit in a handful of blueberries when she looks like this.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Today I noticed that my 4.5 y/o RIR has a massive crop, more than usual. I noticed it slightly swings left and right when she runs and, I dunno, just seems really big.

At what point should I worry or keep her from eating or drinking? I don't want to be too hasty since she is acting very bright and energetic

Check the crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink. If it's empty, then I wouldn't worry about it.

If it's not empty, then re-check the next morning. If still not empty, then address the symptom according to this article. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Is her crop fully emptying overnight? If you aren't sure then you need to check first thing in the morning before they start eating/drinking. Just feel in her crop area, it should be completely flat. If her crop is emptying fully at night then you don't have anything to worry about.
Based on the photos it looks like a normal full crop.

It has been emptying. Checked two mornings in a row. I think she's just beefing up.. maybe her body is telling her to get ready to lay again. Thank you for your advice!

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

As long as it empties overnight I would just ask her if she has room for dessert.
To me it looks like a bullish crop.

My hen Bernie can still fit in a handful of blueberries when she looks like this.
View attachment 3669729

Beautiful chicken and impressive storage capacity!

 

[buffy-the-eggpile-layer]

Check the crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink. If it's empty, then I wouldn't worry about it.

If it's not empty, then re-check the next morning. If still not empty, then address the symptom according to this article. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

Thank you for the resources! Luckily, it's been emptying just fine. I think now that she's well past her molt she's back to gorging herself.