poop following sour crop. Is this normal

[Peoples]

Azygous what is the coconut oil trick and how is the process.

 

[azygous]

Coconut oil is a natural medicine with antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. It's also easy to administer in its solid state, and chickens will often eat it voluntarily, especially if you get the unrefined oil that still has a taste.

The oil softens and helps lubricate the crop and intestines so the impacted material can run through the chicken's system easier. You cannot give too much. It will all come out in the poop while a little will be absorbed as calories. It can't hurt her over this short period while you try to get the impaction cleared. Keep giving the oil and do gentle massage. The stool softener likewise will not hurt her. It will help greatly to soften the mass and works along with the oil to help her feel better.

 

[rebrascora]

Good to hear she is not bad enough to need surgery. It is very much a "do or die" last resort. My concern was that she was getting very thin. @azygous has given you good advice so I will just wish you luck and hope to read that it has completely cleared soon.

 

[Shezadandy]

I have not tried the dulcolax. I think I should move to the Epsom and dulcolax combo. I have had her caged for over a week with periods of yard time confined to an area where she can ne near her sisters and get some outside time. She also has a dog bite that resulted in a skin tear. It is doing better I think. I spent last Saturday and Sunday on my day off massaging every hour on the hour. I ordered a crop bra as well I figure once this passes and she can return to her regular routine. I imagine after this time her crop is stretched as it has been a few weeks by now. She has not laid an egg in over couple weeks I believe due to no proper nutrition and has lost weight. Other tben the crop thing she acts normal

If you've never opened a dulcolax capsule - unless there's a powdered version- I don't know if there is- (and there are very inexpensive generics- just remember, no stimulant and look for the active ingredient) -- Have a rough textured cutting board- not a plate (if you like your finger tips)- a 1ML syringe- or an eye dropper type- can be found at Walmart- to suck it out, and a steak knife with rough serration- like your average cheap steak knife. Position the blade over the seam on ONE end only, press down and cut that top seam in half. Usually most of the liquid stays in the capsule.

Then use that 1ml syringe or eye dropper to suck it out when you turn the pill right side up and pinch it to fit the little syringe. If you're at a drug store, you could ask the pharmacy where the baby syringes are- they're frequently included in many liquid medications for infants. I like to add 1cc nutridrench to the liquid too- it might be a good idea to discontinue anything with sugar if you think you've got a yeast situation. If you go to the store, I would also pick up the generic monistat (see the article) to have on hand.

Have you ever tube fed, or is your hen drinking well enough that you think you can get the dulcolax to go down in the right dose? That liquid isn't a fun flavor- not sure if there are pills you can crush into powder or not.

If you find yourself in that situation, you could try feeding her with a little syringe directly to the beak --- or do a little tube feeding- and by "feeding" I mean ONLY water mixed with the medication - NO food). You'd only be adding around 5mls total- and obviously, wait for the medication before any puking.

Puppy feeding tubes are great to have around - I usually find them at Valleyvet - not sure if Petsmart or the local feed store in your area has them -- but I usually stock up on those (I get 4-5 uses out of them when washed immediately) and "feeder" 35ML syringes to fit the puppy feeding tube, again, wash and reuse).

If you do tube her medication down- just because there's a 35cc capacity doesn't mean it should be filled all the way- it's chosen because it fits the feeding tube. I would aim for about 5-7mls including whatever medicine and the rest water- to make sure most of the medicine goes into the crop, and doesn't hang out in the tube!!

Later, if she's not drinking enough, you can also add plain water to go with the crop massages, but it's better if she drinks.

If you've never tube fed, it sounds scary, but there are awesome instructions. I am NOT in ANY WAY suggesting adding the baby parrot or ANY FOOD AT ALL. That would pile on to the impaction. It's *only* to get the dulcolax and/or epsom salt and/or monistat down in the correct dose.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-guide-pictures-under-construction.1064392/

Also if you've got Vetricyn on hand for the dog bite treatment - and some neosporin (no pain relief- just the "original") - others might have other ideas too.

 

[Peoples]

She is drinking and eating soft foods on her own very well. So I think I could mix it in and she eat that....

 

[Peoples]

Good to hear she is not bad enough to need surgery. It is very much a "do or die" last resort. My concern was that she was getting very thin. @azygous has given you good advice so I will just wish you luck and hope to read that it has completely cleared soon.

She has started passing some stool. So am thinking she is getting nutrition through soft foods. Her energy is still good and likes to peck at me sometimes to let.me know who is still boss and the other day when I gave her yard time she did what chickens fo and immediately did a dirt bath.

 

[rebrascora]

That all sounds good to me!

 

[Peoples]

That all sounds good to me!

Me too! I am hopeful we can correct this and have a good outcome.

 

[azygous]

Remember, just because she's pooping doesn't necessary mean the impaction has cleared. You will need to verify it by checking the crop in the morning before she eats or drinks.

Also, on the topic of the stool softener capsule. I just pop it into the chicken's beak intact. The gel cap is designed to dissolve inside the body. It would get it working faster to open it, but it's up to you if you wish to go to the trouble of doing that.

 

[Peoples]

Remember, just because she's pooping doesn't necessary mean the impaction has cleared. You will need to verify it by checking the crop in the morning before she eats or drinks.

Also, on the topic of the stool softener capsule. I just pop it into the chicken's beak intact. The gel cap is designed to dissolve inside the body. It would get it working faster to open it, but it's up to you if you wish to go to the trouble of doing that.

I would say impaction is still there but significantly smaller. I can feel it during massage and in the am crop is smaller but not completely empty. Am hoping the dolcalax takes care of the last bit. I have also ordered her a crop bra as I imagine she will have had some stretching after this. Do I leave it on indefinitely or a few weeks more after the crop has cleared . Other places I read is after an impaction ber diet needs change as far as what she can eat? Thanks so much