Lethargic hen, full gritty feeling crop this morning

[LulaBell]

I think my hens crop is full of grit and food can’t pass. It feels like a balloon full of sand. I found this video and it seems like the most gentle/natural method. Can anyone give me feedback on this? I’ve never dealt with an impacted crop before.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I think my hens crop is full of grit and food can’t pass. It feels like a balloon full of sand. I found this video and it seems like the most gentle/natural method. Can anyone give me feedback on this? I’ve never dealt with an impacted crop before.

I would try other methods to see if you can get the crop to clear before vomiting her. It can be very risky and a hen can aspirate/choke and die.

How long have you noticed the crop full?
Is the hen able to poop at all?
Have you tried treating the crop - what have you tried?

If you think there is a blockage, then start with some coconut oil and massage. Crop issues can take days to resolve, there is no quick fix. Even if you vomit as a last resort, there's no guarantee that has solved the problem.
Here's some more detailed info for you to read. Keep in mind, that often crop issues are just a symptom of an underlying condition.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/impacted-slow-and-sour-crops-prevention-and-treatments

 

[LulaBell]

I massaged her crop, it appears looser. But she is still very lethargic. I checked her backside and it was just a bit yucky. With a gloved finger I gently felt around. There was some grit and she released some light brown fluid and some blood/ material came out. Coccidiosis??!!

I have been syringing her water. When I saw the blood I made a gallon of water mixed with 2 tsp Corid. I’ve been syringing that to her. Right now she is wrapped in a towel on my lap warm and resting. If I pester her too much she will click at me, which is good. She has lost a considerable amount of weight. I think she needs rest and nutrients.

This is not my first illness recently. I lost a hen pretty abruptly. I have another sick and quarantined in our spare rom, and now this girl. I think something is spreading through the flock. I’m going to treat everyone with Corid.

I also lost 4 to a predator this past week. It has just been awful.

Any suggestions on what I can do would be great. I spend time with my flock daily. I can’t believe I didn’t notice something was off sooner.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I massaged her crop, it appears looser. But she is still very lethargic. I checked her backside and it was just a bit yucky. With a gloved finger I gently felt around. There was some grit and she released some light brown fluid and some blood/ material came out. Coccidiosis??!!

I have been syringing her water. When I saw the blood I made a gallon of water mixed with 2 tsp Corid. I’ve been syringing that to her. Right now she is wrapped in a towel on my lap warm and resting. If I pester her too much she will click at me, which is good. She has lost a considerable amount of weight. I think she needs rest and nutrients.

How old is this girl? How long have you had her?
When is the last time she laid an egg?

Any swelling, bloat in the abdomen below the vent between the legs?
It's good that you are syringing the Corid into her, I would too. Is it possible that she had an egg break inside her?

If you have vet care that is always best, the blood is concerning. Since you have liquid Corid, you can give her a direct dose (undiluted) at 0.10 ml per pound of weight for up to 3 days - this is in addition to getting as much of the mixed Corid water into her that you can too.

Still work on the crop, massage it gently and see if you can get things moving.

 

[LulaBell]

How old is this girl? How long have you had her?
When is the last time she laid an egg?

Any swelling, bloat in the abdomen below the vent between the legs?
It's good that you are syringing the Corid into her, I would too. Is it possible that she had an egg break inside her?

If you have vet care that is always best, the blood is concerning. Since you have liquid Corid, you can give her a direct dose (undiluted) at 0.10 ml per pound of weight for up to 3 days - this is in addition to getting as much of the mixed Corid water into her that you can too.

Still work on the crop, massage it gently and see if you can get things moving.

Unfortunately she didn’t make it. I’m unsure of her exact age. We got her from a neighbor when she was maybe a couple months old.

I thought an egg issue after her crop loosened up. I felt all around her lower abdomen, nothing seemed out of place. That’s when I checked her internally and found the blood.

I’m going to send her for a necropsy. This is the 2nd death of similar circumstance. The first girl I had intentions of sending but the timing was off and I couldn’t keep her cool until I could send her.

In the meantime I’m treating the rest of my flock and chicks with Corid. I hope the necropsy gives me some answers. Thank you for your advice.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Unfortunately she didn’t make it. I’m unsure of her exact age. We got her from a neighbor when she was maybe a couple months old.

I thought an egg issue after her crop loosened up. I felt all around her lower abdomen, nothing seemed out of place. That’s when I checked her internally and found the blood.

I’m going to send her for a necropsy. This is the 2nd death of similar circumstance. The first girl I had intentions of sending but the timing was off and I couldn’t keep her cool until I could send her.

In the meantime I’m treating the rest of my flock and chicks with Corid. I hope the necropsy gives me some answers. Thank you for your advice.

I'm so sorry to hear you lost her
It's good that you will be sending the body for necropsy so you can get some answers.
If you don't mind, when you get the results, can you tell us what is found?