I did something really stupid re: sour crop

[egglicious]

Hey there. I came home today to find one of my little hens with this big bubble on her back. I brought her in and tried to do some research but I was panicked and so ended up doing something stupid. I tried to puncture the bubble to relieve the pressure. I used a sterile syringe and poked a few tiny holes. It did not deflate and in fact she started to bleed beneath the skin. Stupid stupid stupid. :-(
Come to find out she has sour crop. I got some olive oil, probiotics and kefir in her. She is inside and resting. I truly wish I had not tried to deflate the bubble. I really hope she makes it through the night. Anyone have any thoughts? She is a really sweet hen. I don't want to lose her.

 

[nurse_turtle]

How on earth did a sour crop end up on her back?

 

[egglicious]

Well, it was actually her crop i was seeing but it seemed like it was on her back because it had become so bulbous. It was actually her very inflated crop if that makes sense.

 

[egglicious]

It was in her shoulder area and very definitely coming from her crop.

 

[nurse_turtle]

That sounds awful. There are several threads here about performing home crop surgery although I would never do it without anesthesia. I'd have to see a vet.

 

[egglicious]

Well the punctures were very, very tiny. But the bleeding beneath thre skin really freaked me out. It was so full of air I thought for sure it would deflate. I do think it did deflate a little but I hope I did not destroy her crop. I am just so worried right now.

 

[nurse_turtle]

The tiny holes will most likely close on their own if they haven't already. I would be worried too. No food until that crop empties. Be sure to massage it gently several times a day and make sure she's getting enough water to drink. Chickens are amazingly resilient.

 

[egglicious]

She made it! She seems to be out I danger. She is eating on her own and drinking as well. She even laid an egg last night! I truly thought she was a gonner. Here is what I did:

Scrambled egg with kefir mixed with a very potent probiotic from a capsule with olive oil and today a little coconut oil. Also I put colloidal silver in her water. Worked like a charm! She has been isolated in the bathroom since last night but I think tomorrow night I will probably put her back with her flock.

 

[Dagirls]

I am wondering if that could be one of the problems with my chicks their crop is ballooned. I read to turn them upside down and massage the crop. I will give my chicks some yogurt in the am. I am glad your girl is better

 

[egglicious]

I Would not turn her upside down as you can kill her accidentally. It happens. I would go to the health food store and get a really high quality probiotic and mix it with plain yogurt and a little olive oil. If she won't eat it give it to her via syringe very carefully. You can then massage her crop gently in the direction of her tummy. Good luck!