Impacted Crop?

[aa187]

I currently have 4 hens all approximately 20 weeks old. One of my hens laid her first egg 2 weeks ago and hasn't laid since. They are all fed layers pellets and free range all day eating grass and other stuff they manage to find on the garden.

I have noticed recently that one my hens has an enlarged crop. I felt the crop and it feel soft and squidgy. I'm not sure if I should be concerned as she's is eating and drinking normally.

I have tried massaging her crop and it seems to help a little but after a while it's seems to enlarge again. Her poop is brown and very watery. Should I be concerned or am I just being paranoid?

 

[leadwolf1]

Check her in the early morning before they get off the roost. Her crop should be down at that point. If it isn't, then there is need to worry.

 

[aa187]

All my chickens have access to pellets at all times. Should I remove this from their run and check?

 

[leadwolf1]

They won't eat at night when they are at roost...that's why you need to check early in the morning before they get up to eat.

 

[aa187]

Okey dokey. Il give that go. Fingers crossed it will be normal

 

[leadwolf1]

I really hope so....normally, an impacted crop is very hard and distended. A squishy, water filled balloon type crop could signal sour crop. I am keeping my fingers crossed that yours is just normally full from a day of munching

 

[BertSmith]

oh no! I'm dealing with this right now too But my girl is only 1 month old. It's definitely not hard, but it's not squishy soft.. ugh i'm so worried What should I do if it's still there in the morning!