Pullets chest puffed out full of fluid.

[Chuck Graham]

I have six healthy eight week old pullets. The most friendly personable girls chest is pegged out and fluid filled. Feels like fluid is just under the skin. Not sure if it's her crop. Other than being slowed down by the weight very healthy. Took her to the vet yesterday. He said although he's not a chicken expert he thought her crop was full of watermelon and it had fermented. Rx of cider vinegar added to her water. Tried it and no improvement. Any suggestions? This chick is such a personable girl.

 

[eviemethugh]

Do your birds have access to grass? I feel like watermelon would only sit there and ferment if there was a clog of long grass first. There are a TON of different opinions on sour or impacted crops.
First, wake up as early as you can to check on her crop, is it possible it is going down overnight? If she is able to forage, get her to a pen with no bedding or grass. The worst thing would be if she ate more. Mowing grass a few days before moving chickens will help prevent this also.
If you are sure it is still the same impaction (you are probably right) the methods people use range from oil soaked bread to at home surgery. Acv in water is good.
Inducing vomit is a quick method to help with size (although if they breathe while this happens there is a chance of aspirating he vomit.) but you still have to get rid of the infection.
This is an interesting article that includes directions for inducing vomit : http://citygirlfarmingblog.com/2014/05/26/treating-a-sour-crop-naturally/

Here are several different opinions: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/613861/how-to-treat-sour-crop

Finally, first foods after you've treated her need to be soft and Protein based. A hard boiled egg, yogurt, baby food with protein, you get the idea.
Good luck! Hope your baby feels better soon.


Edited by Staff