I did it, I operated on her myself...

[MissPrissy]

I really would appreciate a step by step 'how to'.

Because I am a big fraidy cat and need to see what has to be done before I could ever do it!

 

[redwa]

MaransGuy - Thanks for your post, I am so glad to see someone else did this, too - with success!

I think the most important thing I learned through all of this
is that you cannot take any symptoms at simple face value. One
condition can be hiding another or even affecting it's symptoms. It
is also important to note that a condition does not always follow a
script. I was not too worried about an impacted crop as my bird was
eating, drinking and defecating for a month while she had this
massive lump of hay stuck in her. Everying I read about impactions
said that they do not do any of those things. I also think it is
important to really watch your birds for any sign of a problem. If I
did not spend as much time as I do with my birds I know I would have
missed many of these signs.

I could not agree with you more... I have now also made it a habit to monitor all my hens crop activity, making sure things are working. If any of them once again begins to show any signs of crop stasis, fullness or anything out of the ordinary (specifically not being empty in the morning), I know how to address it immediately and effectively, saving the hen (and myself) from having to go through "backyard surgery" again.​

 

[jeaucamom]

We are right here, right now. Our EE Chloe has an impacted crop. We have tried the mineral oil/massage with no success. I am on hold with the vet as we speak. The initial visit is $48 and I am about to find out how much for surgery. If any of you could post a detailed how to, maybe even with pics, I would REALLY appreciate it. Okay... ready for this.....$200 for them to do the surgery. How insane is that???? So now I know I have to do it myself. Please, please someone post a how to. I have to work from 3 to 11 tonight, so I will have to do this tomorrow am. Where do you get a scalpal and a suture kit? I have the liquid bandage, but don't they need to be sewed up too? And how do you know where to start the incision? And if you use a kitchen knife, how do you sharpen it??? I am really scared. Does anyone live near Sac, that might be willing to help with this?

Ps how do you sew up the crop on the inside? Unless you use dissolvable stitches, which I really don't have laying around, they would always be a problem.

 

[redwa]

jeaucamom - I will email you so we can talk. I can only share my experience with you. I would only suggest the surgery after ALL possibilities have been exhausted and you don't think there are any other alternatives.

 

[McGoo]

Rewa,
I understand and respect your hesitancy to reveal the details of the surgery. This is typically a procedure that only a vet should be performing after a complete diagnosis.

I am not planning to perform such a procedure on my son's chicken, however short of allowing a hen to perish and/or be 'culled' it is a possible alternative.

Thanks for sharing your heroic experience.

Colleen

 

[BlueMoon]

We had a hen with an impacted crop and this is what we did:

My husband held her, wrapped in a clean, dry towel. My mom, a nurse practioner, sliced into the crop, very gently, with a sterilized Xacto knife. I was asked to leave the room and sit outside with my head down. Mom pulled out grass clippings, undigested corn and a good half cup of other things while this hen calmly rested in Bobs arms. There was so much removed that the cut skin really didn't need to be stitched up. Just closed up on it's own.

We kept her separated for a few days, giving her the regular layer, and then she rejoined the group like she had been on vacation, just bounding with energy. That was back in April or May and she's fine still.

Gail Damerow gives better instructions in The Chicken Health Handbook, p 264, with a handy diagram on p46.

 

[LoneCowboy]

You people are just totally amazing to me. Is there anything you all can't do if you put your mind to it. I guess though, I'd have to do the same thing if I had a chicken in trouble, but Wow! I don't even know where the crop is yet.

 

[chickbea]

Again, pics or video! My own vet has never done this and would like to see something other than a diagram...

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Holy cow, I cannot believe this thread and all the Chicken Doctors!! Geez, I am calling all of you medical clucks if any of my chickens have this problem because there is NO WAY I am cutting into anything living!!!!! I am just amazed!!!!

 

[Mareloo]

jeaucamom.. Deside if you going to do it or not.. and then just do what ever your desision is. Courage in both hands..

If you cant find a knife sharp enough use a razor blade. Make sure everything is boiled. Try and miss as many veins as humanly posible. Stay calm. Feel with your fingers were the crop start and end. That way you will know were to make your cut. Dont make any hesitant cuts, it will get you in trouble. It will be preferable to have somebody held her for you, other wise you will have to do everything with just one hand.

Know if you dont.. she will die in any case..

I wish you strength