Sour crop/doing better

[KathyR]

Hi everybody. I have 11 - 5 1/2 month old chicks in one coop. I noticed today that one of my Polish was standing outside by itself, not moving. On closer inspection I saw that it held its wings down low, and the crop is enlarged and squishy. I massaged it and then came in here to do a search. There are so many different things I have read that it is confusing.

I know about the acv, but from what I read it has to be organic. My town does not even have a grocery store so I doubt I will find it in the dollar store. Would regular acv do?

I also read about the baking soda and water flush. Does anyone know how well this works? Is there a chance of it aspirating if I turn the chick forward and push up to expell what is in the crop?

I also read about using olive oil. Can I use pure veg. oil?

I know there is the hole in the back of the throat. Is this the opening of the crop? If I put the fluids in there is there any chance of it aspirating it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Kathy

 

[faykokoWV]

Can you push up underneath the crop and then push towards the chickens head to try to get the sour food out of the crop. Chickens can't vomit, but you can force the stuff out of the crop.

 

[Sillystunt]

I would flush it with warm water first.

Don't know much but hear flushing is the way to go!

 

[KathyR]

Hi,
I did try to push up on the crop. She did not vomit but just opened her mouth. If I flush please tell me where to put the syringe. Is it the hole in the back of the mouth. I was afraid she would aspirate and choke.
Thanks so much for responding. I don't want anything to happen to her. She is one of my favorites.

 

[hinkjc]

There are 2 holes in the mouth..one for breathing and one for swallowing. I would not force her to vomit. This is very touchy and if done incorrectly can make her aspirate. I have never dealt with this personally, but hopefully someone with experience can offer some advice soon.

 

[KathyR]

I just realized as I was posting about my chicks diet that I did make a diet change. This was done over several days. We switched from grower/finisher to a layer feed, both crumbles. I also had put a small amount of hay down in the areas where my EEs started laying.

 

[KathyR]

Hi,

I just wanted to update you guys on my chicks condition. I messaged the crop 3x last night before closing them up for the night. This morning the crop was empty. Shortly afterward I discovered a poop? or vomit? about 5 inches long, green, all hay or grass. The chick is acting normal today, eating and walking around. Thanks for all the help everyone.

Kathy

 

[LynneP]

Good for you, Kathy- I'm glad you had a happy ending!

 

[faykokoWV]

 

[fordmommy]

That's great news!