Large Soft Lump on Breast

[Claeys]

Help: I have a 8 week old leghorn chick that has developed a very large and very soft (almost jiggly) lump on her breast. At first I thought it was an impacted crop but this is soft and feels like it is filled with fluid. Has anyone seen this before and what do I do?

 

[UnskilledHomestead]

Could it be sour crop, one of my chicks had it(he recovered fine on his own in a day, I was very lucky) his crop was very large and jiggly, as if it was a water balloon. Have you noticed him spit up and liquid and does his breath have a sour smell, those are some main things. I believe both sour crop and impacted crop are similar.

 

[The Happster]

Is her crop empty in the morning, before she eats? Check it's emptying properly.

 

[Claeys]

I definitely think I it is sour crop. We noticed it yesterday afternoon and the lump is still there today. Is there anything we can do? We’ve already tried massaging it.

 

[UnskilledHomestead]

I know some people will give the chicken some olive oil if massaging the crop isn't working, it help lubricate what ever is stuck inside so it'll unstick easier. You can give it some apple cider vinegar in its water(1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 gallon water) to kinda regulate the yeast growing in it crop. If its acting at all lethargic I would, if possible, separate it and limit its food(let it have water though). Massaging its crop is great, have you just massaged the chicken sitting down or attempted what some people do whith their chicken upside down trying to get it to regurgitate its food(I know nothing about the method or its safety, so I can't say anything on it).there are some super helpful articles on here and videos on YouTube on how you can help your chicken get better. Best of luck, I hope your chick feels better soon!

 

[Claeys]

We’ve done olive oil and massaging but so far it hasn’t worked. We are going to keep trying. I always give them apple cider vinegar in their water and I will definitely keep doing that. We have isolated the chick now. Next try will be the upside down massage. Thanks for the advice!!!

 

[The Happster]

What is she acting like? Droopy, inactive? Normal?

I heard the method of holding them upside down was risky.

Before trying that, ask @Wyorp Rock or @Eggcessive.

 

[Eggcessive]

Is the chick acting normal? Is she active and alert? Any pictures? Other than having a big crop, is she having a bad odor from her beak, and does her crop become smaller at times? Could she be just a big eater? Do not ever massage a puffy soft crop, or the chick may aspirate crop contents and choke. I would not separate her from her flock.