Roo ate all the grit, impacted crop?

[apollora]

Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it!

 

[HazelandPearl]

Let us know how you sweet Rooster is doing! Fingers crossed!

 

[apollora]

Update...

Rocky the Roo is doing much better! his crop is back to normal size although it feels hot to the touch (I suspect sour crop, or maybe all that gravel caused some inflammation). I'll keep an eye on him and take him to the Vet if the heat doesn't go away.

I'm hoping that the grit won't cause a blockage in his gizzard now that it moved it's way out of his crop.

 

[lazy gardener]

IN the mean time, I'd look at increasing the protein content of your feed, and look at the mill date. Old feed has the nutrients oxidized out of it. Best if it's within 6 weeks of the mill date. There has to be a reason why he's eating feathers, and chowing grit.

 

[apollora]

That’s good advice that I hadn’t thought of. I think we just started a new bag and I didn’t keep the last one. But I will check this bags mill date.

Do you have any suggestions on increasing protein? Can I supplement with mealworms and scrambled eggs?

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Scrambled eggs and fish are good. Makeral and salmon.... organ meat can be good too.

 

[lazy gardener]

Check the protein content of the meal worms. I doubt that it's very high. And I expect they are quite high in fat. Not good. What is the content of your current bag of feed? Any chance that it's time to clean out the freezer? Got any meat that is a bit freezer burned, or too old for you to eat? If so, cook it up for the birds.

 

[apollora]

I'll have to check the feed bag when I get home tonight, it's a new brand that was offered at the feed store, not my usual Purina. I am curious though, if the feed was low in protein wouldn't more than one chicken have health problems?

I do have some items in the freezer that's past prime. I will pull some tonight and cook it up for them tomorrow evening.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

It could affect them differently. Maybe he doesn't absorb it as easily so needs more.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with FNF. IN any flock, even though all the birds eat the same feed, there will be some that are in better condition and health. There will be some who have poorer feather quality.