lump on my Rooster Chick

[shellybean40]

My daughter pointed out that my 5 week old Rooster has a lump above his breast only on one side. It is hard and does not seem to be giving him any pain. What could this be?? I am devasted! I love him so much already!

 

[dfchaser]

What side of the bone is it on? If it is on HIS right side then it is his crop. The crop is the normal storage place for his food. If it is on his other side then some more information will be needed to help with a diagnosis.

 

[Kittymomma]

Hi and

Like dfchaser said, it's probably his crop. The crop fills and empties during the day and should empty overnight. He probably just made a piggy out of himself.

Are you (or the kids) feeding them treats? About the only time chicks have crop problems is if they're given treats without having access to grit. They don't need grit if they are just eating starter/grower, but it's important if they are eating other things.

 

[shellybean40]

Thanks everyone! He is doing great this morning and his crop is empty! We are not feeding anything but chick starter and the occasional pillbug they find (LOL). I could not find chick grit anywhere, so I have not been giving them grit. I have regular poultry grit, when can I start feeding them this?

 

[Kittymomma]

Mine would pick thru and take the smaller pieces of hen grit by the time they were 10 days old or so. I've read of people using sand, but one of the feed stores here does sell chick grit so I just get that if I really need it. I try to hold off on the treats until they can handle the hen grit, but if I'm brooding in the house (

) my kids keep sneaking them stuff so they need the chick grit.