Impacted Crop

[chixrkits]

Howdy all! Today my Banham hen named 'Lovey' had to visit the chicken doctor as she seemed to develop a "coughing" issue over the past couple of days. Noises as if she's attempted to clear her throat or something also similar to hiccups. Thought the problem may have been an impacted crop. Her exam went well and it was revealed she was very dehydrated but no evidence she had crop problems. How often has anyone else's flock had problems like this? thanks for the feedback.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @chixrkits Welcome To BYC

I'm glad you were able to have her seen by your vet.

I don't see a location in your profile, this can help when we are giving suggestions. If you are experiencing hot weather, chickens can often become dehydrated.

Keep watch on her to make sure she is drinking. Depending on how many chickens and the space you have - she may have been kept away from food/water stations - this does happen at times - you may have a food/water aggression hen or two that keep lower pecking order birds from eating/drinking properly.

Check her crop for several nights in a row to make sure she is going to roost with a full crop and that it is empty first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks. Hopefully getting and keeping her hydrated she won't have any more problems.

 

[chixrkits]

Turns out, my chicken Lovey, had developed slight pneumonia and this was due in large part to the recent wild fire smoke from the Gorge that blanketed the Portland metro area. Since chickens are very susceptible to respiratory infections, she was put on a course of antiobiotics and has since recovered for the most part! Still monitory her though. G'day!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Glad you were able to have her seen and that she is doing better!
Thanks for the update.