Possible Impacted Crop????

[catiecatie]

First time chicken mom. So I have 5 chicks. All roughly a week old. They're all energetic, eating and drinking. They have access to food, water and grit. But I've noticed that on a few of them, there seems to be a semi hard ball on their necks. Pretty small especially in comparison to some of the pictures of impacted crop that I've seen. Late last night they seemed to go flatter but this morning, small balls back on their necks. I've withheld food and no change. Any advice please???

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have a red bulb heat lamp

Then don't with hold food. A full or semi full crop is normal!

ETA: birds with actually impacted crops will not continue to eat.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It's normal to be full all day and night?

At that age and under that lighting condition.. yes.

ETA: GOOD watching out and attentions to detail!

 

[nuthatched]

Are you sure it's not the crops?

 

[catiecatie]

Are you sure it's not the crops?

I think it is but shouldn't it empty? It's staying pretty full. But they all still have energy and are hungry. So I'm not sure if it's a big deal

 

[talkinboutchickens]

On the necks? I think impacted croup happens in the breast area....
I haven't had any chicks get impacted crop before, only older ones.
Try giving them coconut oil, grit, and apple cider vinegar. That should help.

 

[catiecatie]

Yeah, it's probably halfway down the neck. A little squishy but firm. Do you know any measurements for the oil/apple cider vinegar? They have grit already

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I think it is but shouldn't it empty? It's staying pretty full. But they all still have energy and are hungry. So I'm not sure if it's a big deal

Depending on the type of lighting in your brooder, it may never actually be emptied fully.

ETA: Sorry I didn't see food had been withheld.

 

[catiecatie]

Depending on the type of lighting it may never actually be emptied fully.

I have a red bulb heat lamp

 

[nuthatched]

I think it is but shouldn't it empty? It's staying pretty full. But they all still have energy and are hungry. So I'm not sure if it's a big deal

Chicks are constantly eating whenever they can see food, if it's always light in your brooder, then they're always eating.
Can you get a picture of the area?
Don't given them anything until you're sure.