Not sure what happened...we thought she was just wet

[cinjoel]

Living here in SW FL and our rainy season just started...thankfully. I noticed this hen appeared wet under her throat near her crop but I thought she was just wet. After a couple days, about 3-4 she still looked wet so we picked her up today and saw this obvious issue! I feel like such a bad chicken mom.
not sure what it is? Is it her crop? She was walking around, eating and drinking and acting normal. We recently had a bobcat grab one of our hens and so I’m wondering if he almost got this one and she got away?
once you all figure out what is going on what should I do to treat her?

thanks

 

[cherrynberry]

Living here in SW FL and our rainy season just started...thankfully. I noticed this hen appeared wet under her throat near her crop but I thought she was just wet. After a couple days, about 3-4 she still looked wet so we picked her up today and saw this obvious issue! I feel like such a bad chicken mom.
not sure what it is? Is it her crop? She was walking around, eating and drinking and acting normal. We recently had a bobcat grab one of our hens and so I’m wondering if he almost got this one and she got away?
once you all figure out what is going on what should I do to treat her?

thanks

@Eggcessive
@Wyorp Rock
@Overo Mare
????
It looks like she has organs showing! My only recommendation is to seperate her immediately. Her heart is located near her crop and I would be worried. Unfortunately, I don’t know much about treatment, but hopefully someone else can pop in...

 

[Mvan42]

Looks like a possible warble. Is there anything like a big worm moving in that. Possible fly strike. Clean it real good. Use an antibacterial ointment on it. One with no pain relief in it. Make sure there are no worms, eggs, in it first. Warm soak in Epsom salt will help

 

[cinjoel]

When I went back tonight to put everyone up for the evening Cheeky, our injured hen was still acting completely normal. I sprayed her wound with saline and looked for maggots. Saw none. Then I noticed there was something green sticking out of the opening and I pulled it out it was a blade of grass. It seems like her crop is open. Now what?

 

[dawg53]

It appears her crop is ripped open. She will not be able to pass feed/food through her gizzard with her crop in that condition and she will eventually slowly starve to death. I recommend that you cull her.

 

[micstrachan]

Plenty of people on these forums have performed crop surgery. Are you up for that? Let me tag @Eggcessive, who I believe is a nurse and will likely remember the specifics of crop surgery or point us in the direction of a thread or two with instructions.

 

[Mvan42]

@aart @Kiki @casportpony @WVduckchick. Anyone have any suggestions.

Myself I would cull. If a vet is possible call to see what they say. Do you know exactly what happened.

 

[WVduckchick]

That's a tough call, if she is still acting ok.

I'm a little more hands-off than some, so other than cleaning it up as well as possible, ointment, etc. and trying to keep her as clean/dry as possible, I personally wouldn't go to extremes. I try to let them heal on their own, as much as possible. If you can separate her (maybe with a friend?) in an area that can be kept dry and clean, I would probably do that, and keep an eye on her appetite and her poop. Some vitamins could help too.

 

[micstrachan]

@cinjoel what happeneddwith Cheeky?

 

[cinjoel]

I’m happy to report Cheeky is still alive! I used Epsom Salt and cleaned the area well and didn’t see any worms or maggots. Then when we saw it was an opening in her crop I put Swat to try and keep the flies away and also sprayed Banyx several times. She does seem a little on the thin side but she is still laying eggs and very active. I’m attaching a picture from this morning and it looks all closed now.

thanks for all your suggestions.