Sick Silkie

[Withachickchickhere]

I'm very sorry

Do your chicks have a source of grit available?

Yes, but with it being so cold out he didn't want to go out into the run out the last couple of days. Do you suspect sour crop?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, but with it being so cold out he didn't want to go out into the run out the last couple of days. Do you suspect sour crop?

I really don't know, but your mention of a squishy crop, spitting up, gurgling - that makes me think there was something going on with the crop - but most of the time a crop issue is a symptom of an underlying condition or illness.
There's no way to know for sure without necropsy and/or testing. If you happen to lose another in short order, it would be a good idea to send the body to your state lab to find the cause.

If your chicks are staying inside due to cold weather, I would put a little dish of grit inside with them - they will take what they need free choice.

 

[mew317]

R.I.P Unnamed Peep.
I’d say whatever chicken people say, but since I ain’t a good disease expert..
I suggest whatever they say.
oof.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Very sorry for your loss.

Sounds like it could have been a blockage or even a perfect storm combination of things.

Hope all the rest thrive!

 

[azygous]

It sounds very much like the chicken had sour crop from the description of it being soft, full, and squishy. If it ever occurs again with any of your chickens, unless the crop is full, solid, lumpy, and hard (indicating impacted crop), it's better not to massage it since it's too easy for the sour liquid to be drawn into the lungs, asphyxiating the chicken.

You might find some useful information in my article on crop disorders. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[Withachickchickhere]

It sounds very much like the chicken had sour crop from the description of it being soft, full, and squishy. If it ever occurs again with any of your chickens, unless the crop is full, solid, lumpy, and hard (indicating impacted crop), it's better not to massage it since it's too easy for the sour liquid to be drawn into the lungs, asphyxiating the chicken.

You might find some useful information in my article on crop disorders. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

Thank you. I am 99% sure that this is exactly what happened.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you. I am 99% sure that this is exactly what happened.

I was also thinking this.

Agree with Azygous.
We do our best... and we learn. You tried!

Thank you for sharing.