Impacted crop question

[coach723]

Keep trying, give it some time. Things don't often happen quickly. Sometimes it happens overnight when they are relaxed that they will pass something. Patience is needed for this kind of issue.

 

[Bkaye]

Thanks for the info. As I was massaging her crop just a minute ago, I felt it "protude" for a second like her body was pushing it out, and heard upset stomach noises. Not sure if that's normal crop function after feeding her water, or if that's abnormal. Luckily the impaction has remained soft and broken up unlike the last 2 days, but it also doesn't seem to have passed.

The gurgling/upset sound noise could indicate it’s turning into a sour crop.

 

[bismo]

Keep trying, give it some time. Things don't often happen quickly. Sometimes it happens overnight when they are relaxed that they will pass something. Patience is needed for this kind of issue.

Will do. Should I still not introduce any food, not even something soft?

 

[coach723]

The only foods should be water soluble, nothing fiberous or hard to digest. Some regular crumble or pellets mixed with some water to make a mash is good. But if the crop stays full then adding more to it is not going to help things. So that's a judgement call on your part based on how it's going. If some is passing, but just a small mass remains then some food would be OK. If nothing is passing then I'd stick with fluids until it's moving.

 

[bismo]

The only foods should be water soluble, nothing fiberous or hard to digest. Some regular crumble or pellets mixed with some water to make a mash is good. But if the crop stays full then adding more to it is not going to help things. So that's a judgement call on your part based on how it's going. If some is passing, but just a small mass remains then some food would be OK. If nothing is passing then I'd stick with fluids until it's moving.

Probably just going to hold off on food for now. This morning, I felt a hard mass again, but it was about half the size as yesterday. Which is good, because no progress had been made with massaging and oil, so it seems like the stool softener trick is doing its job.

Thanks again for the help by the way, I really do appreciate it. You're super knowledgeable and helpful.

 

[coach723]

You are very welcome. Fingers crossed for your hen.

 

[bismo]

Doing well so far, fed her some mashed up feed mixed with water last night, and it passed through her. Her tail's no longer down, but it's not all the way up like the other chickens. She's eating the same mash today, and seems to be pooping pretty regularly too. She's definitely a lot happier now that she's not starving.

 

[coach723]

Glad to hear she's doing a little better!

 

[bismo]

She's feeling pretty good today, but I've only been giving her the mash feed + water. What's the process in getting back to normal feed? And how quickly can I transition? I've got to get back to work monday, so I won't be able to check on her all day like I have been. I'm hoping I can do a drier mash tomorrow, then try regular feed and have her back with the other hens monday. Would that be a good idea, or is that too fast?

 

[coach723]

Is the small mass gone from her crop? If so, and her poops are looking pretty normal then you can reduce the water in the mash and see how she does. The go back to regular feed and again see how she does. If the problem comes back you will have to back track again.