One of my 2-year-old Australorps has a slight lump ABOVE her crop on the left side of her neck. She seems fine/eats/etc., except that she hasn't laid an egg for 3 days now. She is the alpha, and our power egg producer. She skipped a couple weeks in winter, whereas my other two skipped a couple of months when they moulted. She lost a few feathers, but didn't moult completely, and still has brownish feathers on her body. However, I think she might be a subtle moulter, becuase I've noticed her belly feathers have thinned.
Other than a tumor or huge parasite, I have two possibilities. First, is she eating her feathers and they aren't going through her system? Second, a few days ago, I saw my three chickens fighting over a small garden snake. I don't know who ended up eating it, but could it possibly be the snake still stuck in there?
I really hate to lose her if it's something I can help her with. We have no vets locally that will tend chickens, since we are in suburbs outside a metro area. Any advice or ways to check for possible causes is much appreciated.
Other than a tumor or huge parasite, I have two possibilities. First, is she eating her feathers and they aren't going through her system? Second, a few days ago, I saw my three chickens fighting over a small garden snake. I don't know who ended up eating it, but could it possibly be the snake still stuck in there?
I really hate to lose her if it's something I can help her with. We have no vets locally that will tend chickens, since we are in suburbs outside a metro area. Any advice or ways to check for possible causes is much appreciated.