Soft, enlarged crop

[caholcomb]

I have a 1 1/2 year old Rhode Island Red hen whose crop has been slowly growing over the past few months. It is about the size of a small grapefruit at this point, soft to the touch and now featherless. Anyone have any thoughts on what this could be? Is it harmful to her? How to help her?

 

[seminolewind]

I have a few hens that are absolute food pigs and their crops get huge!

Aside from that, does her crop get full and is empty in the morning? Is she skinny? Is she eating?
Or could it be it's just stretching more and more?

 

[caholcomb]

Her crop never is empty and doesn't feel hard. Rather, it is soft and squishy. No, she isn't skinny. She is our largest hen and she does eat ok.

It is just so huge and doesn't look or feel "normal" and is missing feathers (perhaps from dragging on things?).

 

[seminolewind]

a picture would help

 

[debid]

I'd presume sour crop. Google "treating sour crop" and you'll find a number of different options.

 

[caholcomb]

I was thinking sour crop too. I have brought her inside in a cage and I am giving her water, scrambled eggs with olive oil to eat. She is pooping fine but is now either gagging or burping frequently. I am hoping this is progress??

A picture would be helpful. Unfortuately, I have yet to enter the technology age - no digital camera or cell phone.