Soft Crop

[billiebrat]

I have a approximately 4 month old rooster. Twice now I have found him lethargic and very thin. I nursed him back to health and he seemed fine. It just seems like his crop is always soft, like its full of water. I have never seen this in any of the other chickens. I do not want to lose him, but I am unsure of what to do to help him. Someone help please.

 

[LynneP]

Could you please describe his diet and environment- and the company he keeps?
Does he get an opportunity to eat as much as he needs?
Any other birds showing similar signs?

 

[billiebrat]

Since the first time this happened I have had him isolated in the house. He has unlimited chick food available to him as well as grit and some scratch each day. He has fresh water with vitamins in it available at all times. He gets snacks of fruits and veggies, but I try not to give him too much of those. When he was in with everyone else, I do think there was a problem with him not being allowed to eat enough. We had a bully Roo in there at the time. Now he seems to be afraid of the other chickens. He now lives in my bath tub which is lined with newspapers. None of the other birds have shown anything like this. Thanks

 

[LynneP]

Smart little fellow! He's got you trained. I suspect he will never do well with older roos around. Then again when he grows up he may prove me wrong. meanwhile you have a nifty housepet...

 

[billiebrat]

He's fun to have around. I am just worried if the soft crop is a problem and something could happen to him