Possibly crop issue?

[PioneerChicks]

I got a new 20 week old rooster recently who was kept as a house chicken. Over the past week I have been introducing him to the outdoors. I don't know him well enough yet to know what is normal behavior and what is not. He may have been acting a little odd yesterday but I can't be sure.

Last night I picked him up to put him on the roost. He had been sitting by the waterer. A stream of water came from his mouth, but he wasn't gagging. I assumed I pressed on the crop and re-arranged my hands. He let out another, smaller stream. I placed him on the roost and watched for a couple minutes, but he seemed fine. He fluffed up for warmth.

I have been researching crop problems but there are so many options and so many cures. I did know that I should take out his food and check his crop in the morning. This morning I just went to check and his crop felt empty, but maybe a bit "gritty"? What does this mean?

Currently he doesn't have access to food, but I might bring him some water. Is something wrong with him? What do I do?

ETA: I gave him water. Also, he is quarantined from the other chickens and appears to be otherwise healthy and happy. I don't think the previous owner wormed him or did anything similar, and I haven't either. He has not had access to anything but chicken feed, but I haven't been feeding him grit either.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Last night I picked him up to put him on the roost. He had been sitting by the waterer. A stream of water came from his mouth, but he wasn't gagging. I assumed I pressed on the crop and re-arranged my hands. He let out another, smaller stream.

I did know that I should take out his food and check his crop in the morning. This morning I just went to check and his crop felt empty, but maybe a bit "gritty"? What does this mean?

Currently he doesn't have access to food, but I might bring him some water. Is something wrong with him? What do I do?

I gave him water.

You always want to provide water during waking hours.
Re-check that crop for several more mornings in a row to make sure it's empty. Take food/water out overnight and let him have a good nights sleep. Then check.

If he was a house chicken, then he may not have worms, but getting a fecal float may be warranted.
Taking him outside and getting him used to ground is great. I'm sure he's enjoying that. You may find that you need to treat for Coccidia since you are introducing him to pathogens and an environment that he is not accustomed to.

When you get a chance, post some photos of him and his poop too.
For a fella that young, I would keep him on chick starter if possible, make sure he has grit free choice.

IF the crop is not emptying, then you can begin treatment. I know there's a lot of info online and everyone has different methods and opinions. The article below is a good one. The methods outlined is what Carol (@azygous ) uses with her own flock and what I personally have followed with my own birds too. She and I both have had success with what she has written and I'm grateful she wrote the article.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[PioneerChicks]

You always want to provide water during waking hours.
Re-check that crop for several more mornings in a row to make sure it's empty. Take food/water out overnight and let him have a good nights sleep. Then check.

If he was a house chicken, then he may not have worms, but getting a fecal float may be warranted.
Taking him outside and getting him used to ground is great. I'm sure he's enjoying that. You may find that you need to treat for Coccidia since you are introducing him to pathogens and an environment that he is not accustomed to.

When you get a chance, post some photos of him and his poop too.
For a fella that young, I would keep him on chick starter if possible, make sure he has grit free choice.

IF the crop is not emptying, then you can begin treatment. I know there's a lot of info online and everyone has different methods and opinions. The article below is a good one. The methods outlined is what Carol (@azygous ) uses with her own flock and what I personally have followed with my own birds too. She and I both have had success with what she has written and I'm grateful she wrote the article.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

Okay, I will keep the waterer out there. I have been checking him every morning since. He appears to be fine! Thank you for the article, I will make sure to use it in the future. I'll check for his poop and see if I can get a picture, but he seems to have sneaky droppings where I can't see them.

Thank you so much for all the advice and taking the time to reply!

 

[Desertvalleychickens]

Okay, I will keep the waterer out there. I have been checking him every morning since. He appears to be fine! Thank you for the article, I will make sure to use it in the future. I'll check for his poop and see if I can get a picture, but he seems to have sneaky droppings where I can't see them.

Thank you so much for all the advice and taking the time to reply!

That should work.