Impacted crop???

[ChellyRod]

My older hen has a large crop (about the size of a golfball). I was told full crops are normal (i forgot who told me), so im not to worried about it but I would love for someone to help me with a bit more info. How big is TOO BIG? What do I do to help her reduce it? Why does it happen? Thanks for your time everyone!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

When is the crop the size of a golfball?
Do you have photos of your hen?

The only way to check if a crop is functioning like it should is to check it first thing in the morning before your hen eats/drinks. The crop should be empty. If it is not empty in the a.m. then follow this guide https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

Now how big is too big? Well....IF that crop is emptying every morning, then it's not too big. Some birds are big eaters and seem to have no problems. I have a little White Leghorn that looks like she ate a grapefruit every night, but she's empty by morning.
Some birds can eat so much that the crop eventually stretches and will not empty. This is called Pendulous Crop, a bra can be made and placed on a hen so the crop empties.
There's some good photos in this article https://the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-anatomy-crop-impacted-crop-sour/