Our layers are lumpy, please advise

[newpoultryppl]

We are new (probably obvious) and so are learning as we go. I would like to ask for some wisdom from the flock.
Two of our beautiful birds have developed firm lumps on their chest. They seem to be in good spirits and not in any pain, but it's a new development and so we worry. My diagram is calling this the "crop", but I do not know much more than that. Are our beautiful birds sick? Is there something we should do?
Please forgive my ignorance, I am trying to research, but you folks seem very bright. Please advise--we will be ever grateful.

 

[RachelleM1986]

Welcome to the chicken world! Need a little more info, how old are your birds? and what are you feeding them? It very well could be an issue with their crop. Do they free-range or are the penned up? Are you able to attach any pictures? Sorry for the half-dozen questions lol, but this info could help in a big way In the meantime, I'd limit their yard time (if they free range) and their food, and give them some lukewarm water (if it's a crop issue then the warmth can help clear it up)

 

[welasharon]

The crop is where the food goes when they first eat it so it fills up and can get quite large. Check them in the morning and it should be much smaller as the food is processed overnight. Only need to worry if it is as large at morning as it was at night!

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good link to read on crop problems. There may not be a problem, but impacted crop can be bad, and later turn into sour crop. The link is here: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/answers-from-chicken-vet-on-impacted.html

 

[newpoultryppl]

I would like to thank all of you. It appears that our little Bantams are doing much better. For now, this seems to have been a "newbie" issue and perhaps we panicked a little. As a few of you stated, it did pass by the next day.
Thank you all for your timely advice. What a great site this is, filled with great people.