Is it a tumor?

[onesillyme]

We have a Delaware hen who has suddenly developed a large swelling on the right front of her neck/upper breast. She is in a tractor with 4 hens of the same age. They are molting so between them they are only laying 1-2 eggs per day.

We acquired the hens about a month ago from a small commercial flock (300 hens) that was going out of business. We were told the hens were about a year old.

I thought it might be an impacted crop, but wouldn't that be more toward the center? They eat layer crumbles supplemented with pasture. It has been very hot the last few days but we've kept them supplied with water & shade (Western Washington, so not crazy hot).

Any thoughts on what this may be and what we should do? Thanks!

 

[miss_thenorth]

I believe it wold be her crop. Keep an eye on her. If it is impacted, there is info on what to do--just do a search. The crop is to the right, above her breast.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

The crop is on the right side, not the middle. Sometimes they fill it up so it really swells, especially late afternoon/early evening, before bed.

Does the hen flinch if you touch it? Is it very hard? Is it smaller 1st thing in the morning? How is she acting otherwise?

Perhaps this is her normal filling of the crop, but it's more noticeable because she's molting.

I'm reminded of the scene in the movie Kindergarten Cop. You're looking at your hen's crop and asking "is it a tumor?" and the hen is clucking in a deep Austrian accent "Bwaak! It's not a too-muh!!"

 

[onesillyme]

Thanks for the advise, reassurance, and excellent joke. The hen looks normal this a.m. so I guess her crop was just REALLY full. I swear, I thought she was defying gravity by not falling over, she was so lopsided! Glad there was nothing really wrong!