Silkie crops very full, lethargy

[Fergie Angel Jaqui Betty]

Hello,
I have 3 Silkies, one year old, all fairly good weight..
I've noticed in past couple of days their crops seem full - like hanging more than normal and I can feel seeds in there.. One has it more than the others - I don't know if I'm just now noticing their crops more now (possibly have always had it?!!) One stayed on it's roost yesterday afternoon (not normal for it). The others are still walking around. They were all still eating yesterday..
From what I can gather, it might be 'sour crop'? I have a feeling I have caused it by feeding too much?! Or feeding too many seeds/corn? I've read not feeding them for 12 hours and then only yoghurt and scrambled eggs for a bit can help?
I haven't been able to notice too many of their poos, but one definitely had diarrhea type poo on it's feathers yesterday.
They've all recently been broody..
They free roam in the garden and sleep in a small coop on 'Addichar' or their roosts at night.
Does anyone have any advice that has worked well in this type of situation? I haven't fed them this morning but I feel terrible and really want to feed them!
Thank you so much
Emily

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi Emily,

When you say their crops are full, are they still full in the morning? Most chickens have full crops during the day, and sometimes ours seem to have gorged themselves. Some of ours free-range, so I sometimes wonder what all they found.

If you're thinking sour crop, giving them yogurt will help. You might notice a smell?

I see you feed yours corn. Is it whole corn or cracked? Any whole grains or corn is harder to digest, but if cracked, it shouldn't cause a problem. But, maybe cutting that down or eliminating it for a few days will help.

I actually don't feed my silkies anything other than their all-flock crumbles, and some Henhouse Reserve is their scratch. They do love their scrambled eggs, we give them occasionally, though. I just worry about them getting vitamin deficiencies, so don't give them much else.

Here are two great articles about crop issues, how to know if there's a problem, and how to treat them.

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

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

Hopefully, it's nothing serious and they will be fine!

 

[Fergie Angel Jaqui Betty]

Thank you so much for this and I'm sorry for my delay in replying! Good to know about corn!!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

Do they have access to grit? Or are there any small rocks where they free range? This is important to them as it helps break down food and will help reduce the likelihood of impacted crops. And the articles Debbie listed are very good ones.