Impacted Crop-Need Advice

[lymanmomof3]

My 11 month old Brahma has a badly impacted crop. I have her in the house and am frequently massaging it in hopes of breaking it up. She has an awful smell coming from her nose and especially when I am working the mass. My question is, about a half an hour or so after a massage, she poops a big chunk of foul smelling black crap. Does this mean I am working it out? I don't expect an instant miracle but to know I'm helping her would be some hope I need right now.

I am not feeding her, either. Yesterday I was able to get a small amount of olive oil in her before her massages. Today I did try a cracker soaked in water but it immediately came up. I figure I don't need to add fuel to the fire so I've cut her off from food. She only has access to water but it doesn't stay down.

Thanks for any advice you can lend.

 

[bargain]

My 11 month old Brahma has a badly impacted crop. I have her in the house and am frequently massaging it in hopes of breaking it up. She has an awful smell coming from her nose and especially when I am working the mass. My question is, about a half an hour or so after a massage, she poops a big chunk of foul smelling black crap. Does this mean I am working it out? I don't expect an instant miracle but to know I'm helping her would be some hope I need right now.

I am not feeding her, either. Yesterday I was able to get a small amount of olive oil in her before her massages. Today I did try a cracker soaked in water but it immediately came up. I figure I don't need to add fuel to the fire so I've cut her off from food. She only has access to water but it doesn't stay down.

Thanks for any advice you can lend.

It sounds like sour crop. There is a great deal of information on this thread including the last page. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/714586/sour-crop/360 Please be aware that if you do try to empty the crop by leaning the hen forward, she can aspirate. It is better to feed her items easily dissolved, like eggs, feed and crackers will usually sit heavily there and continue the souring process. I would not offer acv but would offer baking soda in water. as acv in this situation will only increase acid... She does need some water to help move the crop along. but again be very careful of how you do this, bring her to the water and see if she will sip! And continue a few drop of olive oil several times a day should continue to be helpful. Is her crop reducing in size over night??? Wishing you great success in helping her. Hope this was helpful.

 

[lymanmomof3]

Thank you. I was able to get a couple of droppers of baking soda water into her. She didn't like it very much. Thankfully she still has the tip off of top beak so administering things from a dropper is a breeze. I will not try to vomit her. Everything I've read about it says it's dangerous and I don't want her to die by my hand. I will keep on with the massages, oil and baking soda and water. Thank you so much for your advice. I will check on the link now.

One more question...what is your thought on the fact that she poops after a massage treatment? That has to mean something is working it's way out, right?

I know everyone on this forum feels the same way I do, but I really love this chicken. Her name is Anhyzer, Annie for short (we are disc golfers, and this is a type of throw) and I've had her since she was 1 day old. Her birthday is next week and I want badly for her to make it! Her and her 3 sisters are my first chickens.

 

[bargain]

You are welcome for any and all help.... I'm going to say some prayers for Annie, Anhyzer, today and for you as you care for her...I do think that it is positive that she did have a movement.

Also try to give her just a little bit of scrambled egg for strength.... Bless your heart for being such a wonderful mother and loving your hens so much....Nancy