Huge Lump in Chick’s Chest!

[lazylizzy]

My chicks are 5 weeks old, and have been outside for about 1.5 weeks. They have been doing great, but today I noticed that Kagan has a huge lump in her crop. She is still eating, drinking, and playing, but I’m really worried.

What should I do?!

 

[chickenlittle21]

That's normal. When a chick eats their chest gets bigger.

 

[rumbleBee_STi]

^^ what the above poster said. Just make sure that it’s empty/flat by morning, until then just keep an eye on it.

 

[Birdie mom]

Chickens have a sort of sack on their chests that holds food called the crop. Whenever a chick eats a lot the sack fills up, whenever they don't have food the sack shrinks. Looks like your chick has got plenty to eat

 

[Birdie mom]

^^ what the above poster said. Just make sure that it does empty itself by the morning.

I agree. Sometimes the crop can become impacted with debris such as things such as straw or pine shavings. If it becomes impacted then food can't reach the stomach and causes the chick to starve. This is called crop binding. If you are worried then leave him without feed for a night. If his crop is still stuffed full in the morning then he may have crop binding. If he is active and alert now he is probably fine.

 

[lazylizzy]

I think what concerns me is that it’s all to one side. I didn’t think crops filled just on one side?

thank you, everyone! I’m a total chicken newb, thanks for being so nice about my utter ignorance

 

[Birdie mom]

I think what concerns me is that it’s all to one side. I didn’t think crops filled just on one side?

thank you, everyone! I’m a total chicken newb, thanks for being so nice about my utter ignorance

Don't sweat it! We were all new to chicken once. The crop is always placed on the side of the chest, it's just how their bodies are, so it is normal.

 

[lazylizzy]

Thank you so much, everyone!!!!! I went out to check on them this morning, and Kagan's chest was smooth and flat. She was running around with the rest of the flock, pecking/scratching/hopping/eating/drinking like normal.

I am so relieved, thank you all again.