My chicken ate a waterer tab?!

[Jazzyfresh]

So, Saturday night I noticed that my white austra hen was acting lethargic and just kind of huddled off to the side. The next morning she was no better, so I separated her from the rest of the flock. I couldn't find any outward signs of illness other than her huddled posture, limp comb, and a soft crop, so we just added herbal supplements to her feed and water that would help her fight off sickness. That night I realized that one of the waterer tabs from our main waterer was missing, and I'm pretty sure I can actually feel the missing piece inside her crop.

The watering system we use is basically a bucket with holes drilled in the bottom that the watering nipples screw into. The little metal piece at the bottom that the chickens peck at is the part I think she ate. It is basically a tiny metal bar with a nub at the end. I read that feeding her oil might help move it along. I also think I read something about using a magnet, but can't find much on that method and am nervous to try for fear of making it worse.

I've never dealt with anything like this before, any advice would be appreciated!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

How big is it? Depending on the size she might be able to pass it without any issues but it seems like it already is causing some. You can also get them to throw up by massaging the crop a certain way but it is very risky.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

waterer tabs from our main waterer was missing, and I'm pretty sure I can actually feel the missing piece inside her crop

The watering system we use is basically a bucket with holes drilled in the bottom that the watering nipples screw into. The little metal piece at the bottom that the chickens peck at is the part I think she ate. It is basically a tiny metal bar with a nub at the end. I read that feeding her oil might help move it along. I also think I read something about using a magnet, but can't find much on that method and am nervous to try for fear of making it worse.

white austra hen was acting lethargic and just kind of huddled off to the side. The next morning she was no better, so I separated her from the rest of the flock.

Is vet care an option?

How large is the water nipple?

Hard to know if she'd be able to pass that. Can you feel it in her crop? A vet may need to remove it surgically.

Could she be lethargic and huddled for a different reason and the water nipple is coincidental?
How old is she?
When was her last egg?
What does her poop look like?
Photos of her and her poop may be helpful.