Odd Lump in Young Chicken's Neck

[missweki]

I have a baby rooster that has been acting very odd lately. When I inspected him closely, he has a lump in his neck that is just under his head. At first glance, it just looks like he has a thicker neck so I shrugged it off. He has now been acting odd, though. His mouth is always open, and he seems to be having a harder time eating. He will peck at the food, and then lift his head and do swallowing movements for a minute before pecking at the food some more and repeating the swallowing thing. He is about a month old and none of the other babies are doing this. His crop does not seem as full as the rest of the babies. Anyone know what is wrong?

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have a picture? What does the lump feel like--is it soft or firm? Could it be air under the skin, as in a leaking air sac from an injury or bump? A leaking air sac can be common from an injury. It may be serious or not that serious. If they get large, they can cause a click with each breath, and difficulty breathing. A leaking air sac can be deflated with a 22 gauge or larger needle, but I wouldn't do this unless there was an emergency. If the chick is okay, and not in distress, I would just watch it.

 

[missweki]

The bump is very firm and I do not have a picture, but when I went back outside to today to check on him, the lump was gone. Could it be that he just eats too quickly?

 

[Eggcessive]

It really sounds like he is filling his crop with food, and later digesting it.