sour crop help

[Grits&Eggs]

So, last week, I went out a little earlier than usual (to let the chickens into the run) and was surprised to see projectile water being spewed from the mouth of one of my Buff Orpingtons. She and 3 others are now 9 weeks old and were added to my existing flock of 14 week old Australorps over a month ago. The Buffs have been a stressed mess as they didn't accept them easily and still peck at them (and chase them away from the food). I thought it was sour crop but she does not have an enlarged crop, even now. She is acting normal, no more vomiting, so am questioning myself - any advice? Is this not sour crop? is it just stress from all the bullying? anything I should be doing?

 

[chuckachucka]

A soured crop might not necessarily be enlarged. If the crop is empty and flat early morning the crop is OK. If you can still feel a small squishy mound there the crop has slowed or been obstructed. There will usually be a bad smell from the beak. The vomit she produced would also have smelled very bad.

You say she vomited last week and seems OK now. I'm assuming you did not treat for sour crop, so it could have been a mild case that got better on its own. Are her poops normal now and is she eating well?

I would make sure that the chick in question and the other BOs are getting enough food and water with the older chicks around. Do they have enough space to escape any bullying and do you have multiple sources of food and water?

 

[Grits&Eggs]

hi - ok, so yesterday, I added several new water sources (bottoms of flower pots filled with shallow water they can walk in or drink), water may have been lacking there since the big girls gather at the main pool (waiting for me to dump in sunflower seeds, lol). I also added a couple more hiding spots - hoping for the best. Yes, it was 3 now 4 days ago and I did massage it that day, but all looks ok still - and no bad smell.... thanks for your help!!

 

[Stacyoung13]

I think my 7/8 month production red has sour crop. Her crop is like a puffy ball, and she opens her beak like to throw up but nothing is coming out. How do I treat her?

 

[Grits&Eggs]

I think my 7/8 month production red has sour crop. Her crop is like a puffy ball, and she opens her beak like to throw up but nothing is coming out. How do I treat her?

HI - sorry for the delay, been dealing with an egg stealer - sigh, always something! I think the best course of action is to stop feeding her and separate her from the rest and most importantly, massaged her crop - mine did not have a big ball, as in your case, but she didn't eat - i didn't let her - for a the day instead had lots of water and grit - hope that does the trick

 

[Stacyoung13]

HI - sorry for the delay, been dealing with an egg stealer - sigh, always something! I think the best course of action is to stop feeding her and separate her from the rest and most importantly, massaged her crop - mine did not have a big ball, as in your case, but she didn't eat - i didn't let her - for a the day instead had lots of water and grit - hope that does the trick

Thanks for the help.i gave her some apple cider vinegar water, and massage her off and on for a couple of hours. There was no smell from beak, She never threw up that I saw, but was good next day. I'm hoping I just overreacted, it's the first time I've had any illness or anything. I was like a first time mom, LOL

 

[Grits&Eggs]

love your profile pic @Stacyoung13 - your chicks are adorable!

 

[MissChick@dee]

Dose her breath stink???