Lost her "voice" and does this look weird

[CKfarm22]

The first "grower" feed I bought was the one that had cracked grains in it....I learned later to change that to crumbles to ensure they get all the proper nutrition instead of pecking out what they like. Since I still had a big bag of the grower feed with the cracked grains, I went ahead and mixed it together in their feeder. It's mostly crumbles at this point. The crumbles just seem to turn to dust so I kind of liked the substance of the grains. I worry they won't eat the crumbles when it turns to dust. I'd like to do the pellets (so they won't break apart) but that is only in the layer feed and since only one is laying, I have to wait

Just a tip, i learned this from other people on this website. Look at the protein % on the bag of food. You want to feed your chickens above 16% protein. I chose the Purina All Flock crumbles that has 20% protein and i’ve never had a problem with it. Many people buy the “Layer Feed” because well chickens lay eggs, but it’s better to look at the actual protein in it and percentage of protein.

This is a thread from me that people helped me with when choosing a feed with more than 16%.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-feed.1490765/

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

Doesn't really sound like there is a crop issue to me. A crop should be empty in the morning and will fill up as she eats and drinks, then slowly shrink as she digests her food. Depending on what and how much she's eating and drinking the crop will vary quite a bit in size and how hard or soft it feels. I'd only be concerned if it always feels hard (impacted crop) or always feels like a water balloon (sour crop).

The problem seems to be the loss of voice and possible breathing issue. Could just be something stuck in her throat but if she's not eating it sounds like she's sick with something. Unfortunately there are a lot of different respiratory infections that could be affecting her. Is she coughing, sneezing or wheezing? Any signs of discharge from her nose or eyes? I'd separate her from the rest of the flock in case it's something contagious.

 

[Rockergirl]

Doesn't really sound like there is a crop issue to me. A crop should be empty in the morning and will fill up as she eats and drinks, then slowly shrink as she digests her food. Depending on what and how much she's eating and drinking the crop will vary quite a bit in size and how hard or soft it feels. I'd only be concerned if it always feels hard (impacted crop) or always feels like a water balloon (sour crop).

The problem seems to be the loss of voice and possible breathing issue. Could just be something stuck in her throat but if she's not eating it sounds like she's sick with something. Unfortunately there are a lot of different respiratory infections that could be affecting her. Is she coughing, sneezing or wheezing? Any signs of discharge from her nose or eyes? I'd separate her from the rest of the flock in case it's something contagious.

She is eating like normal, has her full appetite. She just doesn't have her voice. She has been my very loud chatter box and now it's nothing. But she seems fine and eats fine, except for the crop issue which I think it worked itself out, if that was what it was. Her crop had never gotten that swollen previously but she did have that crazy big poop when it first happened so I think something was backed up....The crop was the only think I could think of that was messing with her voice but the crop seems to be okay. So, I'm perplexed, completely mind boggled over it.

 

[Rockergirl]

Just a tip, i learned this from other people on this website. Look at the protein % on the bag of food. You want to feed your chickens above 16% protein. I chose the Purina All Flock crumbles that has 20% protein and i’ve never had a problem with it. Many people buy the “Layer Feed” because well chickens lay eggs, but it’s better to look at the actual protein in it and percentage of protein.

This is a thread from me that people helped me with when choosing a feed with more than 16%.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-feed.1490765/

Thanks so much, very helpful! The food has always been a big question of mine...Also, thanks so much for all of your help and sticking with me while I try to connect that dots on my baby!

 

[Razzlefrazzle]

She is eating like normal, has her full appetite. She just doesn't have her voice. She has been my very loud chatter box and now it's nothing. But she seems fine and eats fine, except for the crop issue which I think it worked itself out, if that was what it was. Her crop had never gotten that swollen previously but she did have that crazy big poop when it first happened so I think something was backed up....The crop was the only think I could think of that was messing with her voice but the crop seems to be okay. So, I'm perplexed, completely mind boggled over it.

If it's just her voice I wouldn't worry too much. She could have talked herself hoarse or maybe something to do with the sudden temp change which can be shocking to chickens.

Just an FYI, the poop pic you posted earlier looks totally normal to me for a hen just coming out of the nest. They know not to dirty their nest so they hold their poop which results in those large, smelly droppings when they do come out. When your girls start going broody you are going to see a lot more of that