impacted crop help

[jrward]

I have a hen with an impacted crop and need advice on how to fix it. I am planning on fixing it on sunday. what type of sutures should i use? i need help

 

[countrygoddess]

Sutures?! Whoa! Have you tried to resolve this in a less invasive way yet? Use a syringe and a tube and gently put water down your chicken's throat (make sure it goes down the esophagus, which is behind the trachea) while massaging the crop to help moisten the mass and get it to pass through to the gizzard. Adding a little vegetable oil might help, as well.

Gastrointestinal surgery is a major deal, so if it comes to that, you should probably contact a vet or someone who has a lot of experience doing it.

 

[casportpony]

This link explains how to get liquid medication in a bird safely:
http://www.peafowl.org/ARTICLES/24/
I'd do like countrygoddess suggested.

These pictures might be helpful.

 

[jrward]

everything ive seen has delt with surgery. seems easy enough. ive tried massage, no oil yet, tomorrow. if i have to do surgery do you think she will be ok in the on coming winter? it gets cold around here.

 

[jrward]

will she have trouble passing the stuff once it passes the crop?

 

[jrward]

that lower hole at the base of the tongue is the oesophagus? correct just checking, thanks for the help. i need to find a feeding syringe. what ratio of oil to water should i use?

 

[hhiner]

There is an interesting video on youtube of a farmer massaging the chicken's crop, while hanging it upside down. The chicken basically spits up everything and clears the crop. I would try everything before I resorted to surgery, although there are times that a scalpel is the only option.

Good luck.

 

[casportpony]

everything ive seen has delt with surgery. seems easy enough. ive tried massage, no oil yet, tomorrow. if i have to do surgery do you think she will be ok in the on coming winter? it gets cold around here.

She should be inside right now and stay inside until she is better.

 

[jrward]

jd and impacted chicken. he smells the stuff. thanks ill probably try that too

 

[casportpony]

You should read these, too.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...cken-and-give-subcutaneous-fluid#post_9910754
http://forum.backyardpoultry.com/viewtopic.php?t=7933